A MAN remains in a critical condition today 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, Maidstone, at about 5pm on Tuesday.

He was flown by air ambulance to Maidstone Hospital where his condition today was said to to be "critical but stable".

The woman and three children, who were in the other car, were taken by land to Maidstone Hospital.

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

The woman and the third child were said to be suffering from 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 later re-opened at 9.35pm.