AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a 21-year-old man was killed instantly when a digger tyre he was working on exploded in his face.

Matthew Hoare, 21, from Chartham, near Canterbury, had been working for Watling Tyres in Sturry Road, Canterbury, for just four months.

The accident happened when he was called to change a 5ft diameter tyre on a loading shovel at Hammill Brick, near Sandwich.

Mr Hoare’s funeral will take on Tuesday (February 7) at 10.30am at St Mary’s Church, Stelling Minnis. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Mr Hoare's family have spoken of their shock and grief. His mother, Carolyn, 46, said: "This was a horrific way to die. Matthew had so much to live for. His brother Daniel and sister Jenna are devastated and so are all his friends."

After joining Watling Tyres, Mr Hoare had worked alongside a more experienced member of staff for a few days but was working in his own company van within a week.

Mr Hoare’s father David, a mechanic, said: "This was an horrific and tragic accident. Matthew was a cheeky little monkey like most kids but he would have given his last pound to help someone else. He was the life and soul of any party."

Mr Hoare had previously worked as a builder at Mount & Sons Ltd in Canterbury. He lived with his mother, sister Jenna, 19, and his mother’s partner, Graham Frisbee.

No one from Watling Tyres was prepared to comment.

A Hammill Brick employee who was supervising Mr Hoare was also injured in the explosion and has not yet returned to work.