Police appeal after body found

A suspected hit-and-run driver is being hunted by police after a man’s body was discovered in the road on the A2 near Harbledown.

The 22-year-old victim, who comes from the Canterbury area, was found lying on the coastbound carriageway near the BP garage shortly after 2am on Tuesday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, with police quickly establishing he had been hit by a vehicle.

They closed the seven-mile stretch from Brenley Corner to Harbledown until 8am for specialist officers to examine the scene.

The victim has been identified and his family informed of the tragedy.

Investigating officer Sergeant Jason Heather said: ‘‘Our officers are keen to identify and locate the vehicle involved, and we would ask anyone with information to call us immediately.

“We thank those people who have come forward already, and ask that anyone who was in the area between 1am and 2.10am and hasn’t yet spoken to an officer, to get in touch as they may have information which could assist our investigation.

“We would also appeal to local businesses to keep an eye out for any vehicles which may have arrived this morning with noticeable damage to their bodywork.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538, quoting AW-DW 216-17.