POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was hit by a car and killed near Heathrow on Boxing Day (Monday).

The collision happened at around 7.20am on the southbound carriageway of the M25 between junction 14 - the dedicated Heathrow spur - and 15.

The injured man was airlifted to an east London hospital, but died just before 12 noon.

Police believe that the man was in the vicinity of the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway for about an hour before the accident.

Enquiries are underway to establish the identity of the victim, who is described as being in his 20s, and of Asian appearance.

He was wearing a check patterned shirt, blue jeans and black trainers.

The driver of the car, a grey Volkswagen Passat, stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or the movements of the man prior to the collision, should contact the Road Death Investigation Unit on 020 8998 5319 .