Police have arrested a man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a car crashed into a tree, leaving a woman in her 20s fighting for life in hospital.

Officers were called just after midnight on Saturday to a report of a collision on the A249 Sittingbourne Road in Maidstone.

A blue Peugeot convertible car was travelling towards the M20 when it left the road near to the junction with Sportsfield and ploughed into a tree.

A woman in her 20s suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a London hospital. Police said her condition remains serious.

A second woman sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment. The 25-year-old woman from the Sevenoaks area was arrested in connection with the collision. She has been released pending further inquiries.

A 28-year-old man from the Maidstone area was arrested yesterday evening on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He is currently in police custody.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit appealed for witnesses to come forward yesterday. They are still keen to hear from anyone they have not yet spoken to.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or saw the car in the moments leading up to it, is asked to contact them on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.ukquoting DH/271/17.