A serious oil spill has prompted the closure of a slipway along the River Medway amid fears for boats and wildlife.

An investigation has since been launched after boaters flagged the pollution at Hamptead Lock in Yalding, near Maidstone.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 11.40 today and the site has temporarily been shut.

Environment Agency officers are working with specialist contractors to limit any potential impacts on river users and wildlife.

Investigations into how the incident took place continue.

Meanwhile, the stretch of river impacted by the oil has been closed to navigation while the clean up takes place.

Temporary floating barriers, known as booms, will be placed in the channel to contain the spill.

The spill is being treated as a category 1 pollution incident, which is the most serious, a spokeswoman for the Environment Agency confirmed.

Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents to the Environment Agency via its 24 hour Freephone Incident Hotline number on 0800807060.