Police have launched an investigation after a man died after being hit by a bus.

The man, in his seventies, was hit just after 4pm yesterday in Loose Road, Maidstone.

The road, also known as the A229, was closed between The Wheatsheaf and Lancet Lane as a result of the collision.

It reopened at around 9.30pm.

At the time of the incident, a man posted on Facebook saying: "Loose Road in Maidstone shut both ways. Poor man - been hit by a bus. I've never seen so many blue flashing lights."

And a woman, this time on Twitter, added: "Horrific accident on the Loose Road."

Oliver Monahan, area managing director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, said: “We can confirm that an incident involving one of our services yesterday afternoon has sadly resulted in a fatality.

"Our sincerest thoughts and sympathy go out to everybody affected by these tragic events, and we are currently working alongside emergency services and Kent Police to assist with its ongoing appeal for information and wider investigations."

Anyone with any information can contact Kent Police on 01622 798538 quoting SM/FM/126/19 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone