A motorcyclist who died in a fatal accident has been named locally.

Osvaldas Rimša, known to friends as Ozzy, has been named as the 27-year-old man from the local area, who died in the serious crash in Maidstone yesterday.

A car and a motorbike collided on the A20 London Road at around 1.45pm on Friday, January 15, leading to the road being closed from the Terrace Road entrance to the bottom of London Road.

Rick Evans, from the Reca Community Biker Cafe, in St Peter's Street, where Ozzy was well known, said: "We're a very strong brotherhood of friends.

"Each and every one of us are in mourning today. We're a family and have lost one of our own. I'm sure people will be gathering today for Ozzy."

On Facebook he posted: "Yesterday, Ozzy brought in some crazy fruity tea from Lithuania. Tomorrow they were going to brew up a pot full but today he died.

"We're gonna miss you friend. The pool table will be quiet when it should be you there.

"Every visitor to the cafe tomorrow must try a sip of this drink. He wanted to share, and so we will. Peace."

The incident involved a black Alfa Romeo Giulietta and a black Yamaha R1 motorcycle.

The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, is reported to have suffered minor injuries.

Several police vehicles rushed to the scene, outside Formula One Autocentre and Majestic Wines, alongside paramedics, crash investigators and more than a dozen officers.

The road was completely closed for several hours, causing traffic bedlam around the town.

Police are renewing their appeal for information following the fatal collision on Rocky Hill, Maidstone.

Senior investigating officer, Sgt Chris Wade, said: "I would like to thank other road users for their patience while we conducted our examination at the scene.

"This collision happened at a very busy location in the town and I believe there may be other witnesses who have not yet come forward."

Anyone who saw what happened or either vehicle before the crash is asked to call police on 01622 798538 quoting reference 15-0632. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk