A MOTORIST in his 50s died today when his car ended up partially underwater in a canal in Kent.

Police believe the tragedy happened when the man fell ill at the wheel and lost control of his car.

It careered down the canal embankment on the Appledore to Rye road and turned over before landing up in the water.

The victim was taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital after being pronounced dead at the scene.

His wife, also in her 50s, was a passenger in the car. She was able to escape from the vehicle. She was taken to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

Kent police say the man who died came from St Leonards-on-Sea, near Hastings, East Sussex.

The Serious Crash Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses to the incident. Contact the witness line on 01622 600967/970