A MOTORCYCLIST has tragically died after a crash which saw the Dartford Crossing shut for nine hours.

Part of the crossing was closed with traffic stretching back past Lakeside in south Essex after a crash on the M25 both ways from junction 1B A296 Princes Road (Dartford) to junction 2 A2 (Darenth Interchange) yesterday afternoon.

Kent Police were called at 2.32pm to the serious crash involving a single motorcycle on the clockwise carriageway of the A282.

Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service however, despite their best efforts the motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, sadly died at the scene. 

His next of kin is aware, Kent Police confirmed.

The road was closed while the incident was responded to and reopened at around 11.45pm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant dashcam footage, is urged to contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

Alternatively, email sciu.td@kent.police.uk, quoting reference KH/DC/107/24.