A car landed in a tree following a crash which led to gridlock throughout a village.

An SUV smashed into the tree in Kent Gardens, Birchington-on-Sea, shortly before 3pm today.

Pictures show the rear end of a black vehicle balancing in the branches of a tree, while the bumper is wedged against a wall.

No injuries are thought to have been reported.

Nearby roads were gridlocked while the fire service and paramedics worked at the scene.

The road was partially blocked in both directions, with queues stretching back in both directions.

It is thought that the crash happened after the driver lost control and collided with a tree and a lampost.

Further delays were understood to have been caused by diversions due to gas road works in the village – expected to last until May.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “I can confirm we were at the scene of an RTC involving an overturned vehicle in Kent Gardens, Birchington.

“The RTC was reported to us shortly before 3pm today.”

A police spokesman added: “Kent Police was called to Birchington at around 3pm on Tuesday 13 February, where a car had reportedly collided with a tree in Kent Gardens.

“Officers are at the scene, along with South East Coast Ambulance Service.”

The ward officer for Westgate and Birchington said: “A single vehicle has collided with a tree and lamp-post after the driver lost control, and the vehicle is now being recovered.

“Our officers are on scene with South East Coast Ambulance, with no injuries reported at this stage.

“This may impact on traffic diverting through Kent Gardens following the road closure on Canterbury Road, Birchington.”

The road was understood to be clear by 6.15pm.