Tributes have been paid to the family involved in a horror crash in Hythe that killed a seven-year-old boy and left his younger brother and sister fighting for life.

The boy who died when the car was in a crash with a lorry on the A20 near Saltwood has been named as Alin Mosa.

Police said the boy's two siblings remained in a critical condition at a London hospital.

Their parents' condition was described as stable and improving.

The family, who live in the north Leeds area, are understood to have been returning from a holiday in Europe when the crash happened at around 9.30am on Friday.

A Leeds couple, who are friends of the family, said they have visited the surviving members in hospital.

The couple, who did not want to be named, said: "It is really sad. They are very nice people.

He (the father) was always taking his children to football and to swimming. It is a shock for everybody."

An inquest into Alin Mosa's death was due to be opened in Folkestone yesterday, but was adjourned until next Wednesday while a post-mortem report is set to be carried out.

The family's grey Kia Soul was in a crash with a black DAF lorry.

PC Dawn Smith, of Kent Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: "This was clearly a tragic incident and we continue to work to ensure we have the full picture of the circumstances that led to the collision.

"I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken with police to contact us as soon as possible."

Witnesses are asked to phone on 01622 798538, quoting reference 29-0349.

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