A man died after being hit by a lorry on the A2 near Strood yesterday evening.

The road was closed for hours while police, ambulance crews and firefighters dealt with the incident.

The Kent Air Ambulance was also called out to the scene after the incident happened on the London-bound carriageway between Strood and Cobham.

Police, ambulances and fire engines were at the scene and the road was closed for more than five hours.

Screens were erected around the crash scene and the man, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Highways officials said the M2 was closed between J2 and J1, near to where the road becomes the A2 and was closed until about 10.30pm last night to enable crash investigators could carry out their examinations.

It is understood the man who had been driving a vehicle himself, but had got out of it, was then hit by a lorry as he stepped onto the carriageway.

Police confirmed they were called out to the scene, near Junction 1 at 5.46pm.

A spokesman said: “The London-bound carriageway of the M2 from Junction 2 near Strood towards the A227 junction remained closed while work is ongoing by emergency services.”

Motorists trapped in the aftermath of the crash were eventually released at 7.15pm.

Highways England were advising London-bound traffic on the M2 to turn-off the motorway at junction 4 for Gillingham and go on the A278.

Motorists could then reach the Medway Tunnel and could then join the A226 towards Gravesend and then re-join the A2 there.

Road users further afield were being urged to come off the M2 at junction 5 at the Stockbury Roundabout and join the A249 travelling towards Maidstone and get onto the M20.

This morning, police appealed for witnesses and said the crash happened close to the junction for Cobham.

A spokesman said: “A 55-year-old man was reported to have been in a live lane when he was struck by a white lorry.

“He had been close to a parked petrol tanker which was on the hard shoulder.

“Police and ambulance crews attended and the man died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

“The road was closed while work was ongoing by emergency services. It reopened at around 10.30pm.”

Kent Police’s serious collision Investigation unit is investigating the circumstances and officers are asking for anyone who saw the man prior to the collision, who they have yet to speak to, to contact them.

If you can help please the witness appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference RY/SM/221/17 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk