Tributes have poured in for a “brave” and “beautiful” 16-year-old girl killed in a horror car crash.

The teen who died after the smash on the A249 near Maidstone last night has been named as Alisha Marie.

Writing a heartbreaking tribute to her “princess” today, mum Cody Marie Hobman said: "My princess, now the most beautiful angel in the sky.

"Oh Alisha my heart's hurting. I’m praying I wake up and it’s the biggest dream ever, but sadly I know I’ll never see your beautiful face again after we’ve laid you to rest.

"Oh baby girl - what we would give to hold you one last time.

"Time is so precious as proven [and] you was taken from us far too early.

"You had your whole life ahead of you."

Posting on Facebook, she continued: “We don’t know what to do such a short time on earth but u impacted so many!!!!

“My body’s numb and my hearts’ broken love u forever baby girl xxxxxxxxxxx.

“24/02/2024 – the day our hearts were broken and my precious girl was taken.”

The crash happened on the Sheppey-bound carriageway of the A249 by the Stockbury roundabout and Church Hill, between Maidstone and Sittingbourne.

A 15-year-old has also been left with serious injuries after a white Toyota Hilux hit a barrier.

The 16-year-old died after the accident and it is understood no other vehicles were involved.

A strong emergency service emergency services saw the air ambulance scrambled.

Stepdad Aaron Hobman wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful girl [...] will love you forever.

"Shine bright till' we meet again."

A number of people have also paid tribute to the girl, who is believed to have lived in Folkestone.

"Alisha Marie such a beautiful girl with so much kindness and love for her family. She was bold she was brave and she was loved so much.

"Niece, cousin, friend. Our adventures will be treasured.

"Love u beautiful u sleep tight angel," wrote Natalie Hixon.

"Been lost for words and in shock since I was told this terrible news last night,” a person said.

"How can such a young beautiful girl have her life so cruelly taken so young?" another added.

A boy, believed to be 15, was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries while a 17-year-old boy suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash.

The older of the two was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are being led by Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) and officers are urging drivers with dashcam to check for any important footage.

"They also want to speak to anyone who saw collision, or the Toyota in the moments leading up to it.”

Both carriageways, including the Maidstone-bound stretch, were closed for hours as a result, before reopening at 5.50am.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) on 01622 798 538, quoting reference RY/HG/021/24.

People can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

The fire service was also called to the crash, with a spokesman adding: “We were called at 6.51pm to a road crash on the Sheppey-bound carriageway.

“Crews assisted other emergency services at the scene [and] our operations were complete at 8.04pm.”