A multi-vehicle crash blocked the Sheppey Crossing for several hours.

The accident happened on the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway just before 5.40pm yesterday.

Two vans and two cars collided just before the apex of the bridge, contrary to earlier reports.

Two white flatbed Ford Transit vans, a black Audi Q5 4x4 and a grey Ford Focus were involved, with the wrecked vehicles blocking both lanes of the A249.

Ambulances were called to the scene and several people were believed to have been injured, but it is not known if anyone is seriously hurt.

Two recovery vehicles removed the damaged vehicles - the flatbed transit vans were believed to be carrying industrial fridges.

Large tailbacks formed on the A249 immeditely after the collision as rush hour traffic built up.

Drivers coming off the Island were diverted along the old Kingsferry Bridge, but the Sheppey-bound side of the new crossing remained open.

In 2013 the Sheppey Crossing was the scene of the largest crash in British history.

About 150 vehicles collided on the bridge in thick fog on the morning of September 5.

No-one was killed but more than 40 people were taken to hospital.

Victims are still awaiting a Highways Agency - now Highways England - report into the crash, and a subsequent accident in which a mother and her young son died.

The design of the bridge, and the lack of lighting, has been criticised by those campaigning to see safety improvements on the controversial crossing.