A cyclist in her 70s has died after colliding with a delivery lorry in Teynham - just yards from where two friends were killed on new year's day. The driver has been arrested.

Police, fire, medics and the air ambulance were called to London Road near the junction of Lynsted Lane about 10.15am.

It is believed the woman was knocked off her bike by a lorry, believed to be delivering goods to the nearby Co-op.

The driver, a 58-year-old man from Essex, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

It is believed he was stopped by police 10 miles away at the Medway services on the M2.

Officers from the police’s serious collision investigation unit are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Senior investigating officer Sgt Hannah Brown said: "The HGV and the cyclist were both heading towards Sittingbournewhen the collision occurred opposite the Swan pub.

"We have already spoken to a number of witnesses but are keen to speak to anyone else who saw the incident and has yet to speak to us, or who saw the cyclist or the HGV prior to the collision."

Drivers travelling towards Faversham were diverted along Frognall Lane and Lower Road for most of the day while crash investigators worked at the scene.

Motorists heading towards Sittingbourne were directed along Station Road and Lower Road. The A2 did not fully reopen until after 5pm.

Officers were reportedly using the Co-op earlier to collect witness statements from people who were in the area at the time.

An eyewitness has told KentOnline how he believes the woman was caught in the driver's blindspot.

He said: "She was heading towards Sittingbourne and as the lorry pulled out she was beside him and I was shouting and trying to get his attention, but the lorry was very loud."

A Co-op spokesman has responded to the tragedy, saying: "We can confirm an incident took place outside our store and we are currently working with the police. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all concerned."

Teynham ward councillor Lloyd Bowen (Con) has previously spoken out about safety issues with the road.

He said: "After the new year's day accident, we got the stats - 25 accidents in the last 10 years there and seven were fatalities.

"It has been common issue, particularly by the Co-op for some time, that people park on the yellow lines which causes a bottle neck effect that makes it difficult to get through.

"That said, I don't want to speculate. My thoughts are with everyone involved in the accident. It is very sad."

The closure of the road, which is the main link between Sittingbourne and Faversham, is causing major congestion problems around the area.

The incident happened close to where a crash claimed the lives of two Faversham friends and left a man and woman seriously injured.

• Anyone with information is asked call the dedicated SCIU appeal line on01622 798538quoting13-0365. Alternatively emailsciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.