Police are appealing for witnesses to the fatal accident which happened in Harold Wood this morning.
A 26-year-old man died after the van he was travelling in collided with a lorry on the Essex-bound stretch of the A12, near to the Brook Street roundabout, before 5.45am.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by London Ambulance Service paramedics.
A spokesman for Havering police, who also attended, said officers believe they know the identity of the man and enquiries are underway to trace his family.
The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital, but he does not have life-threatening injuries.
Det Sgt Cheryl Frost, of the serious collision investigation unit at Alperton Traffic Garage, is leading the investigation.
She said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision, or the events leading up to it, to speak to the police.
“The A12 is a major London route and would have been busy with traffic, even at this time of the morning.
“If you saw anything, please contact us.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the witness appeal line on 0208 991 9555.
Police are continuing their enquiries and there have been no arrests. The A12 is closed eastbound between Gallows Corner and the M25.
Did you see the accident? Call Beth Wyatt on 020 8477 3988.
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Man, 26, dies in collision between lorry and van in Harold Wood
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