A road has been closed in both directions after a void opened underneath the carriageway.

The A227 Ightham Road near Tonbridge Road is undergoing emergency repairs from Bewley Lane to High Cross Road near Plaxtol.

Kent Police was called at 8.15am and the stretch was closed just before 10.30am. It is not yet known when it will reopen.

Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes and expect delays in the area.

South East Water is working to fix the issue which was caused by a burst water main.

Regional Network Manager for South East Water, Andy Beston said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused by the closure of the Ightham Road (A227) between Bewley Lane and High Cross Road.

“We were alerted to a burst four inch water main and immediately sent a team to make the repair.

"A diversion route has been set up and is signposted through B245, A224 and A25 while we complete our work and ensure the road is safe to use – we will be investigating what caused the pipe to burst.

“We appreciate road users’ patience while we carry out this emergency work.

"We have been able to avoid any impacts to customer water supplies while we carry out the repair by diverting water around our network of pipes in the area.

“Customers can keep up to date on events in their area using our interactive online map here: inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater”

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