The Air Ambulance attends the scene of the crash on the M2 Picture: Stuart Watkins

by Jenni Horn, Keyan Milanian and Aurelia Allen

A man in his 50s has died after a multiple-vehicle pile-up on the M2.

Three people were arrested after the crash, when four cars and a lorry collided on the coastbound carriageway of the motorway.

It happened between junctions 3 and 4 in Medway on a section that runs parallel with Yelstead Lane and Westfield Sole Road in Lordswood, near Chatham at 5.15pm Friday.

Three people were originally arrested, one on suspicion of driving whilst drunk although that driver was later released.

The remaining two drivers have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Police, firefighters and paramedics attended the scene, as well as the Kent Air Ambulance.

A burnt out VW Polo (pictured) could be seen on the carriageway, along with a smashed up BMW and several other damaged cars.

An eye witness described the scene as "sheer carnage" and said he was badly shaken by what he had seen.

A police spokesman confirmed on Saturday morning: "A fatal incident took place between junctions three and four on the coastbound carriageway of the M2 at approximately 5.15pm Friday afternoon involving a lorry and four cars.

"A driver of one of the cars, a male in his 50s, was declared dead at the scene and next of kin have been informed."

The section of road between junctions 2 (Rochester) and 4 (Gillingham) was closed to make way for the Air Ambulance.

It remained shut until 12.30am Saturday for police investigations. Motorists were told to avoid the motorway, as tailbacks stretched across the Medway Bridge towards Strood.