Motorists are advised to avoid the A249 following three separate accidents causing severe congestion.

Police were called to the first accident which took place at around 8.45am this morning on the Maidstone bound carriageway between Detling and Jade’s Crossing. A white Ford transit and a Volkswagen Polo had collided. No one was injured.

The next accident took place shortly after just before the speed camera near the junction with Scragged Oak Road, on the Maidstone bound carriageway. A Vauxhall Meriva collided with a grey Peugeot 206. One person sustained minor injuries.

The third incident which happened on the Sittingbourne carriageway opposite the Lily Spice restaurant at about 9.20am, involved an articulated lorry and a Volkswagen Golf. Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene to put out a fire in the car and rescue the driver who was trapped. The road was closed while the emergency services worked there. The extent of the driver's injuries is currently unknown.

Police are advising drivers to find an alternative route to the A249 where possible between the Stockbury roundabout and Maidstone.