Two young men have died in a crash in Linton near Maidstone early this morning.

Kent Police were called to the two-car collision on the A229 Linton Hill at just before 4am.

A spokesman said both the driver, 21, and his 19-year-old passenger in a silver Volkeswagen Bora died at the scene. Their families have been told.

The driver of a grey Nissan X-Trail was taken to hospital with injuries not described as life-threatening.

The road was closed for almost nine hours while officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit probed the scene.

Police said the collision happened in Linton Hill, between Butt Green Lane and the B2079 Maidstone Road.

Two crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene until almost 10am.

Kent Highways said the road was re-opened at around 12.45pm.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.