Three men killed when their car hit a parked lorry on the A2 near Canterbury were friends returning to London from a trip to the coast, it has emerged.

The tragedy happened at about 4.30am yesterday when their black Mercedes crashed into the stationary truck in a lay-by on the London-bound carriageway at Dunkirk.

A fourth passenger in the car survived but suffered serious injuries and is being treated in a London hospital.

The road was closed for more than nine hours while officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit tried to establish the exact circumstances of the accident.

A friend and neighbour of the men, who were in their 30s and lived in Islington, says the tragedy has devastated the community.

A friend and neighbour said: "Everyone is in pieces.

"They were just regular guys who often go down to the coast to enjoy an evening at the beach to wind down.

"They spend a few hours watching the water and the moon, chatting rubbish and then they come back.

"They were very close friends and neighbours who have grown up together.

"We all live on the same street and two of them quite frequently come into my house and talk to my husband.

"It is quite a close community here and everyone knew them and is in shock.

"They all did different jobs and were just regular guys. One was married with children and the driver was engaged to be married."

Police, ambulance and fire crews were initially called to the scene and the London-bound lanes between the A28 near Harbledown and Brenley Corner remained shut until just before 2pm.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage which may assist the investigation.

Witnesses should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference SCIU/DM/008/18.