A SECOND schoolboy in north Kent has died following a road accident, within hours of each other.

Luke Squires, 12, a pupil at Thamesview School, Thong Lane, Gravesend, was involved in a collision with a car in Leander Drive, near the school, at about 3pm on Thursday.

Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene and the road was closed for a short time.

He was initially taken to Darent Valley Hospital but his condition deteriorated and he was subsequently transferred to Kings College Hospital in London, where he died late last night.

Ivan Wallis, acting headteacher at Thamesview School, said: "The staff and students are devastated by the tragic accident, which took the life of one of our students last night.

"He was a popular and hard working boy who had settled in well to life in secondary school. He will be sadly missed by students and staff.

"We would wish to offer our sincere condolences to his immediate family at this sad time."

At 7.30am on Wednesday, 11-year-old Matthew Hobbs, of Brent Lane, Dartford, died after being hit by a bus in Princes Road, Dartford. He was a pupil at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating both incidents and anyone with any information which may help, should contact the SCIU on 01622 798538.