Police closed the Sheppey crossings in both directions tonight as they hunted a suspected escaped prisoner from Swaleside.

But the man was located a short time later still inside the prison and all roads were reopened.

Police were alerted to the suspected escape at 5.50pm and roadblocks were put in place to stop people leaving or getting onto the island.

Motorists were stranded on the crossings while the operation took place, with the bridges reopened just after 7pm.