A fallen tree and flooding blocked busy Maidstone roads after freak weather hit the town.

A large tree came down in Hermitage Lane as the sky darkened and high winds and hail lashed the town for just a few minutes earlier today.

The road is one of the main routes between the town and the M20 motorway and also runs past Maidstone Hospital.

Witnesses said the tree hit a car as it fell. Police received reports of a damaged car in the area but said no one was injured.

Kent County Council warned drivers to avoid Hermitage Road just before midday but have now revealed the tree has been removed and traffic is able to pass by.

Drivers are still reporting long delays in the area but part of Broadway, at the bottom of Rocky Hill Terrace, is also blocked due to flooding, which could be adding to the congestion.