A man in his 40s has died after he was hit by a car.

Police have launched an investigation into the man's death following the crash in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, shortly before 1am.

Palace Avenue and the surrounding roads were sealed off by police and medics attended the scene.

A spokesman confirmed the man died after he was struck by a silver Mercedes CLS and they are now appealing for information from the public.

A passer-by, who did not want to be named, said: "I noticed that there was a person laying in the road just before the bike shop with a blanket over them- they weren't moving.

"It was quite shocking to see and looked like something really serious."

The Kent Police spokesman said: We are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Maidstone.

"The incident took place in Lower Stone Street, close to where it meets Palace Avenue, at 12.45am.

"The incident involved a pedestrian and a silver Mercedes CLS and the pedestrian, who was a man in his 40s from the Maidstone area, died at the scene.

"The force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances and would like to hear from anyone who has information.

"They would also like to obtain dash cam footage from anyone travelling in the Palace Avenue and Lower Stone Street areas shortly before the time of the collision."

A police cordon was set up along Palace Avenue and Lower Stone Street.

The passer-by added: "I was walking out of town past the Peugeot garage and noticed a car pulled over by about three police cars on the other side of the road.

"I then noticed traffic at a standstill going the other way round the one-way system towards the bingo hall. A couple of police cars then went down there with lights and sirens on cutting through the traffic.

"I then left the scene for about 20 minutes and when I came back I noticed that Mill Street was closed off and so was Palace Avenue. I had a walk down towards the bingo hall and noticed a police cordon and lots of cars, ambulances and police cars."

Medics and multiple emergency service vehicles were also spotted close to the bingo hall at the foot of Gabriels Hill.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 798538 quoting RY/COJ/154/18.

Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.