A recovery truck driver has died while trying to assist a broken down vehicle after a serious crash on the M25 this morning.

Kent Police is appealing for witnesses following the fatal crash between junctions 5 and 4 of the anti-clockwise carriageway.

The incident happened at about 6.15am this morning (Friday 22 September).

The 52-year-old man was killed when a green Scania articulated lorry collided with a white Iveco recovery truck which had stopped on the hard shoulder.

It is believed he had stopped on the hard shoulder to assist another vehicle that had broken down.

The recovery truck driver, from Chatham, was not inside his vehicle at the time of the incident.

A 42-year-old man from Gravesend has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remains in custody.

The road was closed for a number of hours while an investigation took place, causing heavy traffic for commuters heading from Kent to Essex.

There were also delays on the clockwise carriageway as cars slowed to see what was going on.

All lanes were reopened at 2pm but drivers are still facing heavy queues and delays.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference DM/212/17.

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