The deputy mayor of Bury St Edmunds has led an outpouring of sympathy from the community following the death of a young girl on the A14. 

Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway near the town at about 1.30am on Monday to reports of a crash involving a pedestrian and a lorry. 

A spokesman for Suffolk police confirmed the victim, a 16-year-old girl, died at the scene.

The road was closed in both directions for much of Monday morning between junctions 43 and 44 in Bury St Edmunds following the crash while emergency services attended. 

The eastbound carriageway was reopened shortly after 7.15am. 

National Highways put a diversion in place for motorists and the carriageway reopened just before midday. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Cllr Donna Higgins, deputy mayor of Bury St EdmundsCllr Donna Higgins, deputy mayor of Bury St Edmunds (Image: West Suffolk Council)

There has been an outpouring of condolences on social media for the victim and her family.

The town's deputy mayor, Cllr Donna Higgins said: "My heart goes out to the family and all the friends of this young girl.

"Such a tragic incident will be a shock to all involved."

Suffolk police has launched an investigation into the incident. 

Anyone with information or anyone who was driving in the area at the time should contact the Roads and Armed Police Team at Bury St Edmunds quoting the reference number 37/20659/24.