RUSH hour chaos is expected after an overturned car transporter has forced the busy A2 near Gravesend to shut.

Kent Police say at least six cars have been strewn across the carriageway in both directions, forcing a closure between the junctions for the A227 at Wrotham Road and the A2260 at Hall Road.

Motorists travelling coastbound are also facing long delays following the earlier closure of two lanes, although these have now re-opened.

The Highways Agency warns the road is likely to be closed London-bound until at least 7:15pm this evening whilst the transporter is removed and diesel is cleared from the road.

Traffic is currently queuing towards the crash for four-miles onto the M25 and five miles in the opposite direction towards Cobham services.

Police first received a call at 2:55pm reporting the accident, which is believed to involve just one vehicle.

Paramedics and the Kent Air Ambulance are at the scene and the driver of the car transporter is reported to be conscious and breathing, although complaining of back pains.

He was taken to Kings College Hospital in London with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening.

An eye-witness also reported seeing a Hyundai car fall across the central reservation and onto a vehicle passing in the opposite direction.

This driver is said to have suffered from minor injuries.

A diversion is in place directing vehicles off the A2 at the A2260 junction and along Hall Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and find alternative routes.