A YOUNG man died when his blue Ford Escort hit a tree in a Kent village.

The 20-year-old was travelling along the A20 Ashford Road, at Bearsted, near Maidstone, when the accident happened at around 9.20pm on Monday.

Members of the Kent Fire and Rescue Service cut him free but he died from his injuries at the scene.

The victim has not yet been named but police say he lived in the Maidstone area. No other vehicle is thought to have been involved.

Officers from Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information that could help them in their enquiries to call them on 01622 798538.