A MAN has died after the dumper truck he was driving went into a Kent lake.

A rescue operation involving police, fire and ambulance services was launched shortly before 2.30pm yesterday at the lake off Salt Lane, Cliffe, near Rochester.

The 46-year-old man, from Dartford, was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin are being informed.

A Kent Fire and Rescue crew from Strood station searched the lake with officers from Medway Police.

The area where the tragedy occurred is known as Cliffe Pools. It has been cordoned off to allow a Kent Police and Health and Safety Executive joint investigation to continue.