Police have appealed for witnesses to a crash in Rainham, in which a 46-year-old man died.

Police and fire crews were called to Berengrave Lane just after 9am today after a Yamaha motorbike was involved in a collision with a silver Toyota Corolla.

The motorcyclist, a local man aged 46, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. It is thought people living in the road ran out to try to help him.

The driver of the car was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Two fire engines were on the scene along with several police cars and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

The road was shut between the junction with Lower Rainham Road and Chalky Bank Road.

Police cordoned off the road, which is next to Berengrave Nature Reserve, and traffic was diverted along Chalky Bank Road.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS) said their crews had been called to assist police at the scene.

Just prior to the collision, the motorcycle had overtaken a Vauxhall Vectra.

Police are particularly keen to trace a pedal cyclist wearing a fluorescent top and the driver of a dark-coloured estate car, both of whom passed the motorcyclist in the opposite direction seconds before the crash.

It is thought both of these people may have information that could help officers.

• Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not spoken to Kent Police is asked to contact the Serious Collision Unit on01622 798538.