A self-employed courier for DPD has died at one of its Kent warehouses.

Warren Norton, from Gravesend, was discovered unresponsive by colleagues in his van at the Dartford depot yesterday morning.

A spokesman for the delivery company said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Warren Norton.

"Mr Norton was a self-employed driver, working for a supplier to DPD and was well-known and regarded at the depot.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."

Paramedics were called to reports a man had collapsed at around 7am at the depot.

A spokesman for the ambulance service added: "Despite the efforts of everyone involved, the man sadly died at the scene."

It has been reported by national media that Mr Norton – who is thought to be in his late 40s – was working long hours due to the upcoming Black Friday weekend, but DPD say this is untrue.

The spokesman added: "We absolutely deny any allegations of pressure to work long hours, and can confirm that, as a responsible carrier, we monitor every driver’s hours for legal and safety reasons.

"Mr Norton was working on average five days a week for DPD and the hours he worked were well within the legal limits."