New Kent Road crash: Motorcyclist killed and two injured after van smash on major south London road

A motorcyclist has been killed and two people injured after a crash involving a van on a major south London road.

Emergency services raced to the scene of the smash in New Kent Road shortly before 4.30pm on Thursday.

Paramedics battled to save the motorcyclist, a 22-year-old man, but he died at the scene just after 5pm.

The motorcycle was carrying a pillion passenger who was taken to hospital where he remained in a stable condition, police said.

A pedestrian also suffered a minor leg injury and was taken to a south London hospital.

Police said the driver of the van stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made. Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

New Kent Road was shut in both directions from Elephant and Castle after the crash at Balfour Street.

One person posted on Twitter: “Looks like a really nasty accident on New Kent Road #SE1 road completely shut from Elephant to Bricklayers Arms.”

TfL said that buses were delayed by up to 90 minutes as diversions were put in place and traffic built in the surrounding area.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Southwark.

"Police were called at approximately 4.25pm on Thursday, November 23 to New Kent Road close to the junction with Harper Road following reports of a motorcycle in collision with a van."

Any witnesses are asked to contact officers via 020 8285 1574.