Police have issued an appeal after a young man was found dead on the A2 following a suspected hit and run.

The 22-year-old's body was discovered on the coast-bound carriageway near the BP garage at Harbledown at about 2am.

Police and ambulance crews were called, and the local man was confirmed dead at the scene.

The seven-mile stretch of road from Brenley Corner to Harbledown was closed until around 8am to allow the Serious Collision Investigation Unit to scour the scene.

Investigating officer Sergeant Jason Heather said: "We believe the man was involved in a collision with a vehicle.

"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 have information which could assist our investigation.

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact SCIU on 01622 798538 quoting AW-DW 216-17.