by Rob Hayes

The London-bound carriageway of the A2 was closed after an accident.

The crash, involving three cars, happened just after 11am, closing all lanes at Pepperhill.

One of the cars involved is believed to have caught fire as smoke and debris covered all three lanes.

An eye witness said several ambulances and police cars were at the scene and a man was being treated at the roadside.

The area is always busy, but particularly so this week as shoppers head to nearby Bluewater.

A spokesman from Kent Police has advised road users to avoid the road at all costs. One lane had re-opened at 11.45am.