Kent M25 death: Tribute to highways officer John Walmsley

Mr Walmsley died at the scene after he was hit by a car on the motorway

The family of a Highways Agency officer who was killed in a road crash while he dealt with another incident on the M25 have paid tribute to him.

John Walmsley, 59, from Gravesend, Kent, was hit by a car at junction 5, near South Chevening.

His relatives said the father and grandfather was irreplaceable and was known for his honesty and kindness.

Mr Walmsley was on foot and attending a crash, which involved one car and left one person injured, when he died.

In a statement issued through Kent Police, the 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 come in contact with, due to his honesty and kindness to them.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him."

Witness appeal

Mr Walmsley died at the scene after he was struck by a Vauxhall Vectra that had been travelling from Kent towards Surrey.

The M25 clockwise was closed at junction five for Sevenoaks in Kent

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

Sections of the M25 and M26 motorways were closed temporarily following the incident.

The Highways Agency said queues built up to junction 6 at Godstone in Surrey following the road closures.

It said it was liaising with the relevant investigating authorities and could not comment further.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Kent Police serious collision investigation unit.