A major police operation is underway in Kent following a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian on a busy main road.
Scene of the Tragedy
Kent Police were called to the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham at approximately 12.10pm on Monday, December 29, 2025. The incident involved a male pedestrian and a grey Mercedes estate car. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics.
Disturbing accounts from witnesses suggest the pedestrian was carried a significant distance on the vehicle's bonnet before the driver fled. Personal items, including a baseball hat and a shoe believed to belong to the victim, were left scattered on the road.
Extensive Search Operation
Officers have launched a widespread search for two men believed to be connected to the incident. The police response has been substantial, involving multiple resources.
Drones were deployed to scan the area from above, while police dogs were used to comb through nearby woodland where suspects were thought to be hiding. A section of the road was cordoned off with blue and white police tape for forensic investigation.
A vehicle was recovered from the scene and later seen being loaded onto a pick-up truck for further examination.
Local Disruption and Appeal for Information
The police activity caused significant disruption in the Gillingham area. Road closures remained in place on Pier Road between The Strand and Gads Hill, following severe delays experienced by motorists on Monday.
Local resident Tony Cottenden, 41, described the scene as "a little baffling." The gym owner told how police had blocked off Eastcourt Lane and Lower Rainham Road, as well as a roundabout entering Rainham, creating a "heavy police presence."
Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Zoe Wilczek has made a direct appeal to the public for assistance. She urged anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage—particularly of a grey Mercedes estate car—to come forward.
In a statement, DI Wilczek said: "While we appreciate that the quality of these images isn't crystal clear, we are still in the early stages of our investigation and thank everyone who has provided images and witness accounts so far. We urge anyone with relevant information regarding the incident or these men to get in touch with us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police immediately.
