A man accused of murder after an alleged hit-and-run in Swanley appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Erasmus Ahwoi, 29, of Stroud Green Gardens, Croydon, was not asked to enter a plea at the preliminary hearing.

Appearing by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, he spoke only to be identified.

Judge Jeremy Carey was told Ahwoi, 29, and 42-year-old Thomas Rossiter had been in the same car in Lynden Way on July 4.

Prosecutor James Lofthouse said Mr Rossiter was caught under the wheels of the hired car at about 3.15pm and dragged along for about 100 yards.

He suffered serious injuries and died soon afterwards in Darent Valley Hospital.

Ahwoi, who was arrested in Brixton earlier this week, will enter a plea to the charge on October 1. A provisional trial date was set for January 4 next year.

No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody.

Floral tributes have been left in memory of Mr Rossiter, who is understood to live near to where the crash took place.

One note found at the scene on read: “RIP Tom Boy, you was good for this world boy, nobody deserves to be taken the way you were, may God give you the best bed in heaven, god bless your family, sleep tight. From Lenny, Shelley, and children."