An inquest into the circumstances of a young rugby player’s death opened this week.

Lawrence Pearce died at King's College Hospital in London earlier this month, two weeks after his car crashed into a tree in Hamstreet Road, near Bromley Green.

Paramedics and police were called to the scene at 5.45am on Monday, November 20. The accident left the 21-year-old with serious injuries.

He was rushed to hospital, but on Friday, December 1 his life support machine was switched off.

He had been a popular player at Ashford Rugby Club, where teams observed a minute’s silence and an online fundraising page has already raised thousands of pounds in his memory.

Club chairman John Norman said: “He was a lovely and enthusiastic young man, who was keen on rugby and a great part of the team.

“It’s been a huge shock to us all, a tragic end to a young life. He will be greatly missed.”

The inquest into his death was opened at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone yesterday.

The coroner will then hear evidence to determine the full circumstances of the accident at a later date.