A MAN found in a lay-by today with severe head injuries has died in hospital (Simon Alford writes).

He is thought to be Eastern European, but has not yet been identified, and a post mortem will be carried out.

The victim had been taken to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford just before 7am after he was discovered on the A28 in the village of Great Chart.

Police shut the road between the Singleton roundabout and Little Moat Farm as scenes of crime officers studied the area for clues.

They were hunting the driver of an articulated lorry seen fleeing the area when the man was found, but he was stopped later this morning during road checks and is now being interviewed.

Officers had identified him and his lorry using a data-base held by customs officials at Dover.

One lane of the A28 has now been re-opened for motorists heading from Ashford, but those driving in to the town continue to be directed through Great Chart village.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police incident room on 01233 619065.