A woman has died after a crash on the M2 and a man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Police have confirmed the death following the motorway collision this morning on the London-bound carriageway between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

A force spokesman initially said a woman had sustained serious injuries.

The accident involved two cars and happened just after 6am.

A Kent Police spokesman said this evening: "A red Nissan Qashqai was involved in a collision with a red Mercedes-Benz C 200 AMG between junction six and five on the London-bound carriageway.

"Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene and the driver of the Nissan Qashqai, a woman in her 50s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

"The carriageway was closed following the collision and was reopened at around 4pm. The woman’s next of kin has been informed about the incident."

Officers are keen to talk to the driver of a light-coloured van who may have seen the Mercedes pass them prior to the collision. They believe the motorist may have important information which can assist their investigation.

Officers from Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened, or who has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage.

Drivers should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538, or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference AH/SC/131/22.