The heartbroken family of a “beautiful” 16-year-old girl killed in a horror crash have created a roadside tribute in her memory.

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 on Saturday.

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

Her family have shared pictures of a roadside tribute to her near where the fatal crash happened.

Speaking to KentOnline from the scene, her mum Cody Marie Hobman said: “She was the most beautiful girl ever and was amazing.

“I feel broken and she was loved very much.

“She was the quirkiest girl going and was our little sparkler.”

Her mum says her little girl was travelling to Detling to meet friends when the crash happened.

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.

Today, a Folkestone Academy spokesperson, said staff’s thoughts are with Alisha’s friends and family and additional support will be laid on for pupils.

“Our school community is devastated by the tragic loss of our student Alisha. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Alisha, as well as all those who will miss her so deeply.

“We have contacted Alisha’s family to offer them our heartfelt sympathies and whatever support we can provide. We will also be putting in place additional counselling and wellbeing support for our students and staff to help them through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with all those who loved Alisha.”

Speaking to KentOnline yesterday, 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.”

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.”

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 the 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.