A care home worker died after an artery to her heart was damaged in a crash on her way to work.

An inquest opening heard Rebecca Reed suffered from a haemorrhage due to a cut in her aorta following the crash on the A20 at Mersham at around 7.35am on Monday.

Care home support worker Rebecca Reed - known as Becky by her loved ones - was cycling to work when tragedy struck.

The 26-year-old, from Nettlefield, Kennington, died at the scene after the crash with a red Ford Galaxy.

Her grieving family have said they are devastated by her death.

In a statement released through police, they said: "Becky was a very loving and caring daughter, sister, aunty and friend.

"Becky's tragic death will leave a large hole in the lives of everyone who knew her..." - family of Becky Reed

"Becky was devoted to helping those less fortunate than herself.

"As a youngster she'd worked at the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchuch and then later, went on during her gap year to help children suffering from AIDs in African townships. She also helped tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

"Her present role was working in a care home and she had dreams of becoming a qualified nurse.

"Becky loved fitness and would spend as much time as she could using the Stour Centre gym.

"Becky's tragic death will leave a large hole in the lives of everyone who knew her."

Police closed the A20 until 1pm on Monday while they carried out an investigation.

Two ambulances, two paramedic cars and a vehicle belonging to the air ambulance team were sent to the crash site.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey said: "Sadly, they were unable to save the life of the cyclist, who died at the scene."

The Kent air ambulance said she had suffered neck, thorax and leg injuries.

Anyone who saw the crash - or the moments before - and who has not already spoken to officers, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit On 01622 798538 quoting reference: AW/MS/162/14.

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