A YOUNG motorcyclist from Kent was killed and his pillion passenger injured in a motorway crash in rush-hour traffic on the M25.

The victim lived in Strood but his identity has not yet been released by police.

The accident between the motorcycle and two other vehicles happened just after 5pm on Friday, on the M25 between junctions five and six, near the Kent-Surrey border.

One of the vehicles involved, a silver or gold car, failed to stop and Surrey Police have issued an urgent appeal for the driver to come forward.

The driver of the other vehicle, a white van, did stop and has been interviewed.

The 20-year-old biker, who was riding a red, white and blue Honda motorcycle, is believed to have been travelling towards his home in Strood when the crash happened near the Godstone turn off and the Clackett Services area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His female companion, who suffered minor injuries, was taken to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill for treatment. No one else was injured in the crash.

A spokesman for Surrey NHS Ambulance service said: "One of our ambulances did attend the crash scene and took one casualty to East Surrey and Dorking Hospital."

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident and particularly anyone with information about the vehicle which continued on its way.

A spokesman said: "It is believed two people were in the car which failed to stop. We are urging the driver of this vehicle to contact us as soon as possible.

"Also, officers are appealing to any other motorists who were travelling on that stretch of motorway at the time to come forward if they witnessed the crash. The number to ring if you have any information is Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222."