A 36-year-old man has died after the car he was driving collided with an oil tanker in Maidstone.

Emergency services were called to reports of a crash in Hermitage Lane shortly after 9.30am.

A silver Man petrol tanker and a red Nissan Qashqai collided by the junction with Whitepost Wood Lane.

The driver of the Qashqai, from Dover, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

The road was closed for several hours while police and paramedics, including a specialist hazard area response team, attended at the scene, less than a mile from Maidstone Hospital.

The air ambulance also landed nearby and firefighters were called to help free a man who was trapped.

Kent Highways advised drivers to avoid the area and use other routes but the hospital could still be accessed via Tonbridge Road.

A hospital spokesman said: "We are aware there have been delays getting to the hospital because of the road closure but there is still blue light access."

Arriva buses also warned passengers of delays to services, including the 58, 60, 71 and 72 while a diversion was followed via the A20.

Investigators would like to speak with anybody who was in the area at the time, or anyone who may have seen either of the two vehicles shortly before the collision.

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting 04-0242.