MYSTERY surrounds the death of a Newcastle University student from Sheppey who was knocked down and killed by a bus about 20 miles from his home.

Richard Hyde, 21, of Oak Lane, Minster, died when he tried to cross a road in New Kyo on the outskirts of Stanley, County Durham, on the morning of Monday, March 21.

The driver saw him and swerved as Richard tried to make his way back to the road side.

But police are baffled as to what the chemistry student was doing in the area at that time of the day.

Richard left his home in Jesmond, close to Newcastle city centre, at 10pm on Sunday.

Officers found his silver Vauxhall Astra on the opposite side of Stanley to where he was knocked over, but do not know what he was doing there, why he left his car or where he was going.

Richard leaves parents Hazel, head of science at Danley Middle School, and Geoff, president of Sheppey Rugby Club, and two younger brothers Duncan and Jeremy.

Richard, a former pupil of Minster Primary School, Danley and Borden Grammar School in Sittingbourne, was described by a former teacher as a capable and popular boy, who was particularly good at sport.

His funeral will take place at Minster Abbey at 1pm on Wednesday, April 6.

The service will be followed by burial at Halfway Cemetery at 2pm and afterwards at the Masonic Hall in St George’s Avenue, Sheerness.

All friends are welcome.