Man dies after 'hit and run' collision

A man has died after his vehicle broke down on a motorway and he was hit by a passing vehicle.

Joe Brody, 61, from Chingford, northeast London, was knocked down while he stood with recovery services on the hard shoulder.

The collision took place on the M23 southbound between junctions eight and nine in Surrey near Gatwick airport.

He was taken by air ambulance to East Surrey Hospital and died of head injuries on Christmas Day.

Police took the unusual step of releasing the registration number of the Mercedes Atego van they believed failed to stop at the scene.

The van was later traced and a man in his mid-30s from Brighton has been arrested and charged with failing to stop.

Emergency services were obstructed by motorists who had abandoned their vehicles on the hard shoulder and began walking towards Gatwick Airport with their suitcases.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.