A woman died after falling from a bridge on the A21, it has emerged, with a car engulfed in flames also found at the scene.

A 31-year-old man from London was arrested in connection with the incident and police shut the road between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge just after 3am. It reopened at 2.10pm.

Police were called at 2.34am and the air ambulance was also sent, alongside paramedics. The woman could not be saved and died at the scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service also attended to extinguish the car fire at the same location.

Forensics were called in to investigate and some drivers were trapped for several hours.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 2.34am on Thursday 16 July to the A21, near an exit for Tonbridge, where a woman had fallen from a road bridge onto land below.

"The woman sustained serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by South East Coast Ambulance Service.

"Officers are working to establish the full circumstances, including how the woman came to fall and any possible connection with the vehicle fire and her death.

"A 31-year-old man from London was arrested in connection with the incident."

The A21 was closed to all traffic in both directions, between the Morleys roundabout and the Tonbridge bypass.

The spokesman added: "Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information that may assist their investigation. Motorists who were travelling in the area at the same time are also asked to check dash cameras in case they captured any important footage."

The closure was from the A225 (Hildenborough / Sevenoaks Turn Off) to the A26 Woodgate Way (Tonbridge / Vauxhall Roundabout, Tonbridge).

Drivers travelling south-bound were advised to follow a hollow circle. At Morleys roundabout take the second exit onto the B245 London Road.

At the A227 T-junction, the diversion route was compromised by roadworks.

The knock-on effect saw huge delays through Leigh on the Penshurst Road.

Anyone who believes they have information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 16-0120.

Anybody with video footage can make a report through the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting Site.

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