A man from Ashford has died after a lorry crash on the M20.

The collision happened at about 12.50am today between Junction 1 at the Swanley Interchange and Junction 2 at Brands Hatch.

A white Scania tanker reportedly stopped the hard shoulder, after a white Volkswagen Beetle collided with the safety barrier in front of it.

A blue BMW 535 then collided with the tanker.

The driver of the BMW, a man in his 30s from the Ashford area, was sadly declared dead at the scene.

The motorway has been shut eastbound following the incident near Dartford.

The carriageway is closed between Junction 1 and Junction 2, while the incident is investigated and cleared.

A diversion is currently in place via the M26. Traffic is moving slowly in the area.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fatal crash.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either of the collisions, or who saw any of the vehicles involved beforehand.

They are also appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch.

Anyone who can help is urged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference KH/COJ/130/19. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.

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