Tributes have been paid to an 18-year-old cyclist who died after being hit by a van on the A258 road at Ringwould.

Daniel Squire, who lived in St Margaret’s, was cycling to Deal to meet friends from the Deal Tri triathlon club group on Saturday morning, when the crash happened.

He was airlifted to King’s College Hospital, London, but he died on Sunday.

Daniel’s uncle, Theo Bately, said his death had “devastated the family.”

Gary Holmes, vice-chairman of Deal Tri, described Daniel as a “lovely lad” who was training for the 2014 Iron Man in Bolton.

“He was always happy, good company and mixed with club members much older as an equal. He will be sorely missed by everyone,” said Mr Holmes.

Daniel’s uncle told members of Deal Tri the sad news by posting on the site’s forum. Daniel was a very keen member of the club.

He said: “It is with great sadness I have to inform you of the tragic death of Daniel Squire, my nephew.

“He was run over by a van while cycling...

“He was taken by air ambulance to King’s Hospital London where they did what they could to save him but he suffered multiple internal injuries and catastrophic head injuries.

“He was only 18 years old. We as a family are devastated" - Daniel's uncle

“He was only 18 years old. We as a family are devastated.

“He loved triathlon and had just entered Ironman Bolton.”

The crash happened at 8.40am on Saturday when Daniel's blue Ribble road racing bike was hit by a blue Vauxhall Vivaro van travelling in the same direction on the A258 at Ringwould.

The road was closed for investigations, but was reopened at 2.50pm.

A police spokesman called for witnesses to come forward.

In particular, police are looking for someone believed to have been walking along the A258 near to the village of Ringwould just before the crash.

A spokesman said: “The person did not necessarily see the collision occur, but may have other information that could assist with enquiries.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

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