A serious collision involving two cars, one of which was towing a horsebox, closed the A21 in both directions.

Police were called at 11.16am yesterday following the accident on the coast-bound carriageway between the Blue Boys roundabout and the turn-off for Goudhurst.

They joined firefighters and three ambulances at the scene.

A total of four people were hospitalised. One woman was taken to King's College Hospital in London.

Another woman, man and girl were assessed by paramedics on scene and taken to Tunbridge Wells hospital in Pembury with minor injuries.

A horse travelling in the horse box is reported to have been injured and a vet was called.

The fire service said nobody was trapped in the crash, but officers attended to help police and ambulance staff.

Traffic was diverted while the road was closed, and motorists experienced delays of up to 40 minutes.