AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a 19-year-old man died during a packed motocross event in Kent.

Sevenoaks council has requested a report from East Kent Schoolboy Scramble Club, which arranged the international event at Canda Heights racing track at Swanley on May 6.

Matthew Jones, from Devon, fell from his bike on the first of a two-day event at the Canada Heights racing track.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to Darent Valley Hospital. He was later transferred to King’s College Hospital in London, where he died two days later.

An inquest was opened and has been adjourned until August.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The local authority has been advised and the matter will be subject to an investigation, but is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

Representatives of the East Kent club were not available for comment, but a message posted on their website read: "East Kent offer their sincere and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Matthew Jones, who tragically died following an accident at their recent meeting.

"All our thoughts are with the family at this dreadful time."

The South Somerset Motocross Club, of which Mr Jones was a member, was also unavailable for comment.

Part of a message posted on its website read: "Matt rode with South Somerset on numerous occasions as a member of the club and it has come as a great shock and sadness to the club to hear this news. Words cannot express how sorry we are."

A second day's racing went ahead at the request of Mr Jones’ brother. All riders wore black armbands.