A man has been arrested after a woman died and six others were taken to hospital following a crash involving two cars on a rural road.

The accident happened in Chalk Road, Higham, at 8.30pm on Saturday when a black Ford Focus collided with a blue Ford Fiesta travelling in the opposite direction.

The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail.

The woman, who is 56 and from Chatham, died at the scene. She was one of four people travelling in the Focus. There were three people in the Fiesta.

One man in his 50s suffered leg injuries, a woman in her 20s had back pain, and another man in his 50s suffered leg and shoulder injuries. All three were fully conscious when they were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

Firefighters were the first on scene and administered first aid until the paramedics arrived. After the people were out of the cars, one of the vehicles caught alight.

A spokesman from South East Coast Ambulance service said they sent six ambulances and two cars, as well as the air ambulance.

The woman's next of kin are aware.

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to call SCIU on 01622 798538 quoting DS/GD/208/15.