TRAGEDY struck during Tuesday night's rush hour when a woman was killed as she tried to cross the A20.

The woman and her husband had broken down on the hard shoulder of the London-bound carriageway of the Sidcup bypass, near the Swanley turn-off, and had crossed the busy duel carriageway to get to the nearby BP service station.

But as they attempted to make their way back across the road to their small Daihatsu car at about 6.20pm, the 47-year-old woman was struck by a white Peugeot EDF Energy van.

Police and London Fire Service arrived at approximately 6.30pm along with London Ambulance Service. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her 40-year-old husband was taken to Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, where he was treated for shock.

The 38-year-old female driver of the van suffered minor injuries when the vehicle overturned but declined medical treatment.

The road was closed London-bound until 3.10am.

There have been no arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8285 1574, or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.