A MAN died at the scene when his motorbike caught fire after it was in collision with a van.

The accident happened on the B2080 Tenterden Road at Appledore, near Tenterden, just before 12.30pm on Thursday.

The 42-year-old victim was riding an Aprilla motorcycle when the collision with the VW Transporter took place. The motorbike burst into flames, which also set fire to the van.

A second motorcycle, a Triumph being ridden by a 43-year-old man from Brighton, travelled through the fireball before crashing into a hedge. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

The driver of the van, a 55-year-old Dymchurch man, was not hurt.

The dead man came from Surrey.

Kent Police's serious crash investigation unit attended and the road was reopened at 8pm.

Police are appealing for information. They can be contacted on 01622 798538.