Sheppey was once again turned into traffic hell this evening after workmen accidentally uncovered a BT communications cable.

Motorists returning to the Island complained on social media of being stuck in queues up to two hours.

One desperate mum, Lorraine Allan, wrote: "My son, who is six, was crying as he needed the toilet and was hungry.

"It took me almost two hours to get home from Gillingham."

And Tracey Goldsmith stormed: "My hubby finished work at 5pm in Sittingbourne and STILL not home as stuck in traffic and it's now 7.23pm.

"This is disgusting and needs sorting IMMEDIATELY!"

The delays were caused by road works on the A2500 Lower Road where Kent County Council is building a new roundabout.

Kent Highways issued an emergency message to motorists this afternoon warning of delays after workmen discovered the BT cable.

It said: "Today on site we encountered a problem whilst excavating for the new kerb line along Lower Road, east of Barton Hill Drive.

"Within the existing concrete bed and backing to the kerbs BT fibre optic cables in ducts were uncovered which, as you are no doubt aware, are fragile if disturbed.

"The temporary two-way traffic signals in place were due to be removed at 3.30pm today but, unfortunately, due to the works required to repair the BT ducts and the potential for vehicles to run off the carriageway into an open trench, it will be necessary to leave the signals in place overnight."

The traffic signals were operated manually until 6.30pm but have been set to "vehicle actuated" throughout the night.

They will revert to manual control from 6.30am tomorrow morning.

It is hoped they will be removed at 3.30pm in time for Friday's rush-hour as commuters return to the Island and holidaymakers prepare for one of the last weekends of the season on the Island's many chalet and caravan parks.

The information was shared on social media by Swale councillor Cameron Beart.

But it didn't impress Hilary King who rounded on the contractors with the withering comment: "Perhaps do your homework as regards cables BEFORE you start work."