FIREFIGHTERS had to cut a couple free after a three-car smash on the A228 near Strood which injured eight people.

A Medway police spokesman said: "This was a particularly nasty accident with a lot of injuries. Thankfully it appears that none were life-threatening. We are still investigating the cause of this crash."

Three ambulances were needed to ferry the remaining injured to hospital and the road was closed for at least three hours while police investigators examined the scene.

The accident was on the Ratcliffe Highway at Hoo at about 12.45pm on Saturday.

A middle-aged couple, immobilised by their injuries, had to be cut free from their Ford Granada. The man was flown to hospital by the Kent Air Ambulance. He suffered internal bleeding, broken ribs and suspected pelvic injuries. The woman suffered back injuries and both were taken away on spinal boards.

A woman in the second car, a Fiat, suffered leg, head and back injuries and also had to be put on a spinal board.

The three others in that car managed to get out and suffered grazes and bruises.

The two people in the third car, a Proton, suffered shock.

The A228 from Chattenden to Grain has claimed 28 lives since 1984 and is now the subject of a safety campaign between the Medway Messenger, Medway Council and Medway police.