Man dies after M23 crash driver arrested

A man in his 50s died after being hit by a car in a layby on the M23 between junctions 7 and 8 early Sunday.

M23 crash ends in death as driver arrested

A man in his 50s died after being hit by a car in a layby on the northbound M23 between junctions 8 and 7 just before 6.30am on Sunday. He was outside his VW at the time of the collision. Emergency services attended but the man could not be saved. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The driver was in an Audi. The northbound carriageway, along with the A23 northbound between Glebe Road and Dean Lane, was closed for several hours while investigators worked at the scene. Police are appealing for information and for CCTV or dashcam footage. The victim's next of kin have been informed and are supported by specialist officers. Investigators are particularly interested in the movements of a purple Audi Q4 before the collision.

Two aspects stand out. First, this case shows how a single incident can disrupt major routes and affect many motorists for hours. Second, it highlights how police rely on traffic data, CCTV and witness accounts to build a full picture quickly. Road safety questions arise when laybys are involved and a car stops in a place unsafe for pedestrians. The focus on a purple Audi Q4 indicates investigators are tracing vehicle movements to clear liability and establish the sequence of events.

Highlights

Further updates will follow as the investigation unfolds.