A lorry driver has died after a crash which closed the A20 between Dover and Folkestone for several hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses after two foreign registered lorries crashed and caught fire between Aycliffe and Capel just after 3.30pm on Thursday.

One lorry, which was travelling coast-bound, crossed the central reservation and collided with one going London-bound.

One was empty and the other loaded with mechanical parts.

Two people were taken to William Harvey Hospital. A 54-year-old man later died and the other has serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The A20 was closed in both directions until 3.50am Friday as the police, the ambulance service, Kent Air Ambulance and around 60 firefighters tackled the incident and repairs were made to the central reservation.

Any witnesses to the crash should contact the police serious collisions unit on 01622 798538.

Firefighter Andy Bain, from green watch at Folkestone fire station, said: “It was difficult getting to the scene because of the traffic.

“Both vehicles were well alight. Fortunately they were not carrying flammable loads but the fuel tanks were a concern.”