Kent Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious road traffic collision on Friday afternoon when an officer was injured.

The emergency services were called at about 2pm to the Dover-bound carriageway of the A256 near the Whitfield turnoff and the route was closed until later in the evening.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were attending the report of the broken down vehicle when a yellow Mercedes HGV collided with a stationary police vehicle shortly after 3pm, which subsequently collided with the broken down Volvo and a recovery truck.

“Two men, including one police officer, were injured and taken to hospital in Margate. The officer suffered only minor injuries and has been discharged from hospital. The other man’s injuries are serious but are not believed to be life threatening.”

The road was blocked near Barville Road until 11.30pm. The lorry driver, a 52 year-old man from Thanet, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been bailed until September.

Police are now looking for anyone who saw the smash to help them with their inquiries into the incident.

DS Scott Lynch from Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision or drivers who saw the broken down Volvo from 2pm onwards to contact me.”

If anyone can help ring 101, or the serious collision investigation unit direct on 01622 798535.