Delays caused by two separate pile-ups on the A2 have now cleared.

The crashes on the coast-bound side caused travel misery for drivers heading towards Bluewater this afternoon.

The first multi-vehicle accident happened near the Bean interchange at 1.20pm, followed by another one about half an hour later near the Ebbsfleet turn-off.

At one point, congestion stretched back as far as Orpington.

A police spokesman said of the first crash: "Police were called to the A2 at Bean at 1.20pm today following a report that a multi-car collision had occurred.

"Officers along with Kent Fire & Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service were in attendance.

"A man was taken to Kings Hospital following the collision."

The road was clear by 3.30pm.