A YOUNG man died today in an accident on the A249 at Detling, near Maidstone.

The man, believed to be in his mid to late teens, is understood to have been crossing the Maidstone-bound carriageway near the Kent Showground when he was in collision with a van.

Ambulance crews from Sittingbourne and Sheppey attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The male driver of the van was taken to Maidstone Hospital where he was treated for shock.

Kent Police closed both sides of the roads while their serious collision unit conducted a search of the area near the Shell garage.

Traffic ground to a halt in both directions, but the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway was re-opened just after 2pm.

The young man has not yet been identified. An inquest will be held.