The driver of a lorry that careered off the M20 today and tumbled down an embankment has died, police have revealed.

The 57-year-old German man was airlifted to hospital from the crash near Leeds Castle this morning, but doctors could not save him.

Officers investigating the incident - which happened shortly after 8am - are now appealing for witnesses.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The lorry suddenly left the road, went over the hard shoulder then down the embankment, ending up on its side in a dip near the underpass at Harrietsham.

"There were no other people in the lorry and no other vehicles are thought to have been involved.

"The driver was trapped in the cab of the lorry from which he was freed by Kent Fire and Rescue Services.

"He was taken by Kent Air Ambulance to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford where he subsequently died of his injuries.

Anyone with any information on the crash should contact police on 01622 758 538.