Home   Ashford   News   Article

M20 at Ashford to remain closed after body found on carriageway

A driver police wanted to speak to following the discovery of a body on the M20 has handed himself in.

Officers say the circumstances surrounding the death are being treated as "unexplained" - and said they urgently wanted speak to a man driving a Nissan Qashqai.

Police spokesman tonight confirmed the man had attended a Kent police station and is due to be interviewed as he "may have important information relating to the incident".

Scroll down for videos

The scene on the M20 this morning. Picture: Andy Clark
The scene on the M20 this morning. Picture: Andy Clark

They added his vehicle has been recovered.

The London-bound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 10 and 9 fully reopened at around 2.50pm after police were called out just after 6pm last night.

Detectives from the serious collision investigation unit are working with members of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Police at the scene this morning. Picture: Andy Clark
Police at the scene this morning. Picture: Andy Clark

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vickery said: "I would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen the silver Nissan Qashqai with registration number KY15 WWX on the M20 between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday, 20 February.

"In addition, I would like to hear from motorists who have dashcam footage taken between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday, 20 February of the M20 London-bound carriageway between junctions 10 and 9."

The body was found between junction 9 and 10 of the M20
The body was found between junction 9 and 10 of the M20

Meanwhile, there were also delays on the opposite carriageway, after a multi-vehicle pile-up.

Just yards away from the entry slip for junction 10, four cars and a lorry were involved in an accident.

Police, firefighters, paramedics and air ambulance crews were called to the scene, and two people were trapped in two separate vehicles.

A woman has since been flown to hospital with head, chest and arm injuries, and the lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Video: The road has been closed for hours after the incident last night

There was a complete closure of the carriageway earlier, but at around 10am the outside lane reopened. All lanes had reopened by 1pm.

The London bound carriageway of the M20 is likely to be closed until about midday for police investigation work. Pic Andy Clark
The London bound carriageway of the M20 is likely to be closed until about midday for police investigation work. Pic Andy Clark

Speaking about the body, detective Vickery added: "We do not underestimate the impact that closing this stretch of the motorway had on people and I thank them for their patience.

The scene on the M20 this morning. Picture: Andy Clark
The scene on the M20 this morning. Picture: Andy Clark

"It was crucial that we ensured that all evidence was collected, as soon as the motorway is reopened the opportunity to collate potentially crucial information is lost."

VIDEO: M20 shut after body found

Anyone who saw a pedestrian in the area between junctions 10 and 9 should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference 20-0913. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

Listen to kmfm for travel updates during the morning

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More