Highways Agency Officer Killed In Crash

The family of a Highways Agency Traffic officer, who died when he was hit by a car on the M25 in Kent have paid tribute to him.

59 year old John Walmsley from Gravesend was attending the scene of an earlier crash when he was knocked over on Tuesday afternoon.

Relatives said he was "irreplaceable'' and was noted for his honesty and kindness.

Mr Walmsley was hit by a Vauxhall Vectra on the clockwise carriageway at junction 5 near south Chevening following an earlier accident involving a single vehicle. He died at the scene.

In a statement issued through Kent Police, his family said: "John Walmsley, our dad, was a great dad, grandad and, most importantly, great husband who is irreplaceable.

"He had the affection and respect of just about everyone he came in contact with, due to his honesty and kindness with/to them. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.''

Two of the three occupants of the Vectra were taken to hospital, one with suspected serious injuries.

They were travelling from Dartford to Surrey at the time of the crash, which resulted in the clockwise carriageway of the motorway being closed between junctions 5 and 6 until around 10pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538.