A Saharan dust cloud which has been making its way across Europe from Africa may have started to drop particles in Kent.

Motorists in parts of Medway and Sittingbourne have reported noticing the red coloured dust, that often originates from the desert, on some parked vehicles this afternoon.

Saharan dust is relatively common in the UK, often arriving several times a year when big dust and sand storms in the Sahara coincide with particular wind patterns which carry the particles thousands of miles across countries.

In certain weather situations, say forecasters, Saharan dust can also affect air pollution and air quality levels should it ever come down in large enough quantities.

In March last year skies across the county were turned a bright orangey pink colour for hours as an enormous cloud that had been crossing the continent eventually reached England.

On that occasion people reported the dust all across the county - from Medway down to Dover.

For the last few days, according to local weather reports, southerly winds have brought some Saharan dust across Europe. Countries including France and Spain have reported dustings along with some evidence it had reached as far north as Denmark.