AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a teenager killed when he was struck by a car as he crossed a busy main road in the village of Chilham, near Ashford. James Bell, 15, who lived with his parents and younger brother in Felborough Close, Chilham, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was in collision with a maroon Ford Sierra.

James, a Manchester United FC supporter, was believed to be a village paperboy and was out with a friend when he was knocked down. Family and friends have visited the spot where he died, laying flowers and notes of remembrance at the roadside. One left by James' family said: "To our dearest son who we love so much - mum, dad and Sam."

The inquest, which was adjourned, was told that James died from severe head injuries. The 56-year-old Sierra driver, who comes from the Ashford area, has not been arrested, but the crash is being investigated by police.