THE hunt is continuing for the driver of a lorry which failed to stop after a collision that killed a woman and left two other people seriously injured.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash on the A2 at Lydden, near the Coldred Hill junction, just before 8pm on Friday.

Police, paramedics and four fire crews attended, but they were unable to save a 42-year-old Margate woman who died at the scene. She was a rear seat passenger in a red Ford Escort, which was heading towards Canterbury.

The driver, a 22-year-old man, and another passenger, an 18-year-old man, both from Margate, sustained serious but non life-threatening injuries.

One of them was helped from the car by passers-by, and the other had to be cut free by firefighters. Both were taken to the William Harvey Hospital.

Police said they believed the car was involved in a collision with a HGV, which failed to stop.

The lorry could have crash damage on its front nearside or offside.

Both carriageways were closed until just after 2.30am on Saturday while members of the Serious Crash Investigation Unit attended.

"We are anxious to speak to anyone who has information regarding this collision," said Insp Paul Sellwood.

"The exact circumstances of this incident are not clear, and the smallest piece of information may be a vital clue.

"The driver of the HGV left the scene, and it may be that the vehicle sustained damage."

If anyone saw a damaged HGV driving along the A2 in either direction on Friday evening, or has any other information, they are asked to contact police on 01622 798535.