A MAN was killed when his van swerved off the M20 and crashed into a tree near Wrotham.

The man, who was in his late 20s and from London, died after his white Peugeot Partner van veered across two lanes and smashed through a fence into a field near the top of Wrotham Hill on Sunday. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

No other vehicles were involved and police are investigating. It was the third major motorway accident near Wrotham this month.

On Thursday, July 18, three men were killed on the M26 at Addington and on Tuesday, July 23, two men were seriously injured, also on the M26. Both accidents involved cars colliding with lorries.

Kent Police insist that crashes are on the motorway are not on the increase. Spokesman Mark Pugash said: "The motorway network in Kent is one of the busiest in the country and there are always accidents - but there is no evidence of an increase.

"Our advice to motorists for motorway driving is to keep to responsible speeds and a safe distance from the vehicle in front."

According to police statistics crashes are more likely in the summer because of tiredness.

Witnesses to the M20 crash on Sunday are asked to telephone PC Mike Palmer on 01622 608153.