A car burst into flames in Gillingham this afternoon.

The Vauxhall Vectra caught alight on the A278 Hoath Way, near the M2 at J4.

Emergency services were called at just before 2.30pm and the road was closed.

A Kent Police spokesman said thick smoke was blocking both carriageways.

Firefighters had extinguished the flames by 2.45pm.

It is not known how the fire started.

Witness Ben Gransden, from Rainham, filmed the fire. He said the male driver saved his shopping moments before the car burst into flames.

“Smoke was pouring from the engine bay," he said.

"An AA van pulled over to assist and started directing traffic into the the inner lane, while the driver of the vehicle was unloading shopping from the rear of the hatchback before the engine bay ignited into flames.

“The sound of loud popping was heard as the front tyres exploded.”

Video: The car on fire. Filmed by Ben Gransden, from Rainham.