A police officer remains in hospital after a patrol car was involved in a crash at a busy town centre junction.

Officers, paramedics and firefighters were called to the junction of New Road and Union Street in Chatham this morning.

The crash between the black Toyota Aygo and Ford Focus estate police car happened at about 10.45am and three people – including the officer – were taken to hospital.

The driver's side of the police car has been severely damaged and firefighters had to cut the doors off to release a casualty trapped inside.

Damage to the Toyota is mainly to the front of the car.

Three people were taken to hospital as a precaution but no serious injuries have been reported, a police spokesman said.

At least one of the casualties is a police officer.

One person, confirmed as a police officer, remains in hospital and the other two have been discharged following the incident.

No arrests have been made.

Drivers had been advised to avoid the area if possible and delays were expected for several hours. The road reopened at about 3pm.

Road closures were enforced to allow recovery of the damaged vehicles.

It is understood an investigation into the crash will now take place.

Fire service spokesman Bethany Park said: "Two fire engines were sent to the scene, and crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to remove a vehicle door and release one casualty, who was then passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance paramedics."

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