A MAN is today in a critical condition following an accident in which a woman and three children were also hurt.

The 23-year-old man was at the wheel of a Ford Focus which was in collision with a Ford Escort in Boxley Road, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, at around 5pm last night.

He was flown by air ambulance to Maidstone Hospital with serious injuries. The woman and three children, who were travelling in the other car, were taken by land amulance to Maidstone Hospital.

One of the children suffered a broken leg, and another received a cut to the head.

The woman and the other child were treated for shock and minor injuries.

Rush-hour traffic was diverted around the scene of the accident as police closed the road and the Penenden Heath roundabout.

Queues built up and police warned motorists to stay clear of the area. The road was re-opened at about 9.35pm.