THE parents of a teenager who died when he was struck by a van on the M25 close to the Dartford Crossing have paid tribute to their "wonderful son".

Sally Taylor, the mother of Dean Taylor, said their family have been left devastated by the death of the popular 18-year-old.

Speaking at the family home in Farnol Road, Dartford, Mrs Taylor said: "Dean was never without a smile – a real cheeky grin that just couldn’t be ignored.

"He was a thoughtful boy and a wonderful son who was keen to go back to college so he could give up his printing job. He was really into science and loved the Discovery Channel – he would joke that he was going to be an astronomer."

Dean's step dad, Wayne Patchett, added: "It is just such a shame that he never got to live the life he had planned. He was such a clever, fun-loving boy and we will miss him desperately."

Mrs Taylor added: "Everyone has been absolutely wonderful in helping us through this – from our friends and neighbours to the police."

The incident happened on the tunnel approach road close to Bow Arrow Lane at 5am on Saturday, October 27.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798535.