The inquest into the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy killed in a road crash near Hythe opened today.

The hearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court heard that Alin Mosa, from Leeds, had died from multiple injuries.

Coroner's officer Marion Hale told Central and South East Kent coroner Rachel Redman that Alin had been a rear seat passenger in the family’s grey Kia Soul that collided with a DAF lorry on the A20 just past Saltwood near Hythe.

Paramedics confirmed the child died at the scene and he was identified at the scene by his passport by police and his uncle Sulyman Saleh formally identified the youngster.

It is understood the family were travelling home after a holiday in Europe on Friday, August 29.

A post mortem examination by Dr Michael Heath at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford last Tuesday (September 2) confirmed that the cause of death was multiple injuries.

Alin lived with his family in at Woodbridge Lawn, Leeds.

His parents have told how they face the heart-breaking prospect of telling his critically-ill younger siblings they have lost their brother.

His six-year-old brother Ara and 17-month-old baby sister Arda were seriously injured in the crash.

They remain in a critical condition in hospital in London - unaware of their tragic loss.

Parents Abdulwaid and Huzan Mosa now face having to break the life-shattering news to the youngsters after the horrific smash on their way home from a ferryport following a holiday in Europe on Friday, August 29.

Abudulwaid, 42, and 30-year-old wife Huzan, who live with their children in Leeds, West Yorkshire, were less seriously injured and are said to be in a stable and improving condition.

Family friend Nazmi Aziz has paid tribute to the youngster - who he said was extremely close to his younger brother - speaking of the family's grief at having to deliver the devastating news to Alin's siblings.

He said: "It will be really hard to tell him Ara what has happened. He doesn't know yet, he hasn't woken up yet. It is really sad.

"They were always together, like twins. As well as being brothers they were really close friends."

Mr Aziz, 41, also from Leeds, added: "Alin was a really nice boy. He was intelligent and older than his age. He was friendly with all the children."

The friend added Mr Mosa was originally from Kurdistan and had lived in Leeds for 13 years.

Mr Aziz added the family's pain had brought together members of the city's Kurdish community, with many families including his own having travelled to visit them in hospital.

Arian Doski, another friend, said: "They are very nice people. They are very quiet. Mr Mosa was always busy with his family."

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 police on 01622 798538, quoting reference 29-0349.