A man has died after his car left the road and hit a tree on a country road in Staplehurst early this morning.

Police believe the driver of the silver Audi A3 lost control of the car on a bend, it then left the road and hit a tree. The driver died at the scene and his family have been informed.

The crash happened on the A229 between the junction with Summerhill Road and Cross-at-hand at 2.40am.

Police on patrol near-by saw the car travelling at speed and came across the crash a short time later. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been notified.

Insp Martin Stevens from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "We are trying to build up a picture of where the car was going, and where it had been.

"If anyone saw the car driving through Staplehurst, or any nearby towns or villages I would urge them to get in touch, however minor the information may be as it could be vital in helping us establish the full circumstances of the crash."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.