A four-mile stretch of a major Kent route has been sealed off following the tragic death of a boy hit by a lorry.

Police were called to the scene at about 3.30am today, amid concerns for a pedestrian on the A2 coastbound between the junctions for Cobham and Gravesend.

Officers say that shortly afterwards the teenager was involved in a collision with a truck and tragically died.

A police spokesman said: "His next of kin have been informed.

"Officers are currently at the location of the incident and the carriageway remains closed at this time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

The coastbound carriageway of the A2 has been closed since early this morning from Gravesend to Rochester.

National Highways bosses say the stretch is "likely to remain shut for some time" and that diversions are in operation.

Officials from roads agency stated: "The A2 remains closed eastbound between the A227 at Gravesend and the M2 at Rochester.

"The road has been closed to allow officers at the scene to conduct investigations.

"Due to the nature of this incident we are not able to advise when the road is likely to reopen.

"If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time."

Coastbound traffic is being diverted onto the A2 at Marling Cross before joining Heaver Court Road, Valley Drive, the B261, the A226 towards Rochester and then the A289 towards the M2.