The devastated dad of a 16-year-old girl killed in a car crash has paid tribute to his “one-of-a-kind” daughter.

Alisha Ponter, who lived in Ashford, was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux which collided with a road barrier and overturned on the A249 near Maidstone this weekend.

Efforts were made to revive the Folkestone Academy pupil but tragically she died at the scene.

Speaking to KentOnline, her heartbroken dad Luke Ponter said: “She was very bubbly and a one-of-a-kind.

“She was very dependable and was just beautiful.

“She loved getting her fake tan done, eyelashes, and nails - she absolutely loved a sunbed. Alisha loved beauty stuff and was just about to have work experience in a beauty shop.

“She had an amazing personality.”

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the A249 at about 6.50pm on Saturday following the crash.

It happened on the Sheppey-bound carriageway, near the Stockbury roundabout and Church Hill, between Maidstone and Sittingbourne.

A boy, believed to be 15, was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries, while a 17-year-old boy suffered minor injuries.

The older boy was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and taken into custody. He has been bailed to return to the police station on May 20.

Mr Ponter says he heard about the crash through Alisha’s mum.

“I looked online to see where it was and drove there,” he added.

“I had to wait for an officer to come from the scene and he told us Alisha did not make it.

“He let us go down [to the scene] to see her.

“We all are absolutely heartbroken.”

Tributes have poured in for Alisha, the eldest of seven siblings, over the weekend.

Posting on social media, mum Cody Marie Hobman said: "My princess, now the most beautiful angel in the sky.

"Oh Alisha, my heart is hurting. I am praying I wake up and it is the biggest dream ever, but sadly I know I will never see your beautiful face again after we have laid you to rest.

“Oh baby girl - what we would give to hold you one last time.

"Time is so precious as proven [and] you was taken from us far too early.

"You had your whole life ahead of you."

Her mum says there will be a balloon release at Sunny Sands in Folkestone on Wednesday at 5pm and has asked people to arrive at 4.30pm.

Others have also paid tribute to Alisha on social media following news of her tragic death.

Stepdad Aaron Hobman wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful girl [...] will love you forever.

"Shine bright till' we meet again."

Natalie Hixon wrote: "Alisha Marie was such a beautiful girl with so much kindness and love for her family.

“She was bold she was brave and she was loved so much.

"Niece, cousin, friend. Our adventures will be treasured.”

Police say its Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading inquiries and officers are urging drivers with dashcam to check for any important footage.

“They also want to speak to anyone who saw collision, or the Toyota in the moments leading up to it,” a spokesman added.

Anyone with information should contact SCIU on 01622 798 538, quoting reference RY/HG/021/24. You can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.