A gas leak has forced a bridge to be closed for up to a week.

The Kingsferry Bridge on the Isle of Sheppey shut yesterday afternoon after the fault was found.

The road is cut off from the Kingsferry roundabout that connects Old Ferry Road to the Sheppey Way.

Drivers will have to follow a diversion over the Sheppey Crossing and trains will be suspended.

Those who are unable to go over the larger crossing, such as pedestrians, will be escorted by a gate steward when it is safe for them to cross.

A strong smell of gas was reported yesterday near the Swale stop on the Sheerness to Sittingbourne line.

A spokesman from train company Southeastern said the line was suspended from 5pm.

He added: "We're arranging for buses to replace the trains, but because of the work, the road around Swale will be closed, and no buses will be able to stop.

"All other stations will be served by the buses."

An update this morning says services between Sheerness and Sittingbourne will be suspended until around midday.

Buses are replacing trains but they will not stop at the Swale stop. All other stops will still be served.

The closure is to let SGN repair the gas leak.

An SGN spokesman said: "It's too early to say how long it will take to complete our repairs."

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne