A lorry driver has praised the "tireless" efforts of members of the public who rushed to the aid of a dad killed in a crash which left his young son critically injured.

The accident happened at 11.11am yesterday on the A267 at Frant on the approach to Tunbridge Wells, just over the border in East Sussex.

Sussex Police confirmed a 36-year-old man from Dartford, who had been driving a blue Ford Fiesta, died at the scene.

His two-year-old son suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in London, where he remains in a critical condition.

The accident involved the Fiesta, a white Renault Master, a silver Toyota Estima and a silver or grey Honda car which failed to stop at the scene.

The road remained closed for more than nine hours yesterday, reopening at about 8.30pm.

Lorry driver Ben Evans was among the first group of motorists to arrive at the scene who battled to save the dad's life and his son.

The 30-year-old from the East Midlands said: "I didn't see the accident happen I just came round the corner and I saw the traffic and a lorry and car in front that had stopped.

"They had already got the child out the car and there were plenty of people scurrying about."

Also at the scene was an off-duty doctor who tried to help cut the driver free from his vehicle which had crashed into a hedge.

Fortunately, Ben carries a multi-tool kit for work and the pair were able to use a blade from the apparatus to loosen the dad's seatbelt so the medic could provide CPR.

Meanwhile other members of the public attended to his son who sustained serious injuries.

The hauler said: "The child was unresponsive and they were constantly doing CPR on both until the ambulance arrived and took over.

"I was just thankful they were there and knew what to do."

"I was just thankful they were there and knew what to do."

He added: "There was a lot of people like myself who offered to help where we could.

"When it came down to CPR we left it down to the guys who knew how. Lucky they were there.

"Respect to those that performed CPR tirelessly until the ambulance arrived, you gave them both the best chance possible and should be proud of your efforts."

The lorry driver says the little boy and his family are in his thoughts, adding he wanted them to know: "Everyone did what they could, however they could."

Sussex Police thanked the public for their patience and understanding while they carried out vital investigative work at the scene.

They are urging any witnesses – or anyone who may have captured either of the vehicles in the area on dash cam to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from the driver of the Honda.

Anyone with information is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting "Operation Utility".

KentOnline has asked whether there are any updates in the investigation and awaits a response.

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