Witnesses are being sought today after a lorry carrying gas canisters smashed into a barrier and landed on its side after hitting a police car.

The HGV went through the central reservation on the A249, near Bobbing, and left cylinders strewn across the road yesterday.

It sparked traffic chaos as both carriageways were shut between the the Stockbury roundabout and A2 Key Street. Both carriageways were fully re-opened by 7.40pm.

The white Mercedes Axor HGV hit the stationary marked police car on the Maidstone-bound carriageway at about 11.45am.

Kent Police officers had been responding to reports that a blue Citroen Picasso had broken down and was partially blocking a lane.

The force said the lorry then hit the central reservation and landed on its side.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews were called when several gas cylinders fell from the vehicle.

The lorry driver, believed to be in his 30s and from London, was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital before being released the same day with minor injuries.

Neither the police officer or the driver of the broken down vehicle were injured.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone PC Glen Braidwood at the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeal line on 01622 798538.