A WOMAN died when she was struck by a car as she walked along the hard shoulder of the M20. The 61-year-old, from Maidstone, died almost instantly after the accident involving a Peugeot car on the east-bound carriageway of the motorway near the junction four A228 turn-off at Leybourne.

The woman, who has not yet been named, has a grown-up daughter who lives in Snodland. She was declared dead at the scene shortly after the accident which happened at about 8.45pm on Friday.

The driver of the Peugeot, who is not thought to be local, was questioned by police. He was not hurt in the accident.

Anybody who saw the woman before the accident or who witnessed the crash should contact PC Gary Easton on 01622 608153.