AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a two-year-old girl who died in hospital after being struck by a van in Folkestone.

Olivia Swinerd was trying to cross Dover Road close to a chip shop at 12.15pm on Wednesday when she was in collision with the vehicle being driven by a Folkestone woman.

The youngster was taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital with serious leg and pelvic injuries and underwent emergency surgery but medical teams could not save her.

Police are investigating the accident and are appealing for witnesses.