The scene of the crash on the A229 Cranbrook Road in Knoxbridge

Tributes have been paid to a mother who was tragically killed as the taxi she was in was in a three-car crash.

Irene Clare, 47, from Coxheath, was a passenger in the taxi at Knoxbridge when the crash happened at around 7.30pm on March 5.

The driver, 63-year-old Brian Maitland, also died, and Mrs Clare's daughter Nathalie, 18, was seriously injured.

Speaking for the first time, Mrs Clare's family said she "was the heart of our family and her loss is ever painful."

They said she was a loving mother to Michael, 21; Bradley, 14 and Nathalie, 18, and was married to Stephen.

It added: “She was tragically killed travelling in a taxi with Nathalie, who was seriously injured and has a long journey to recovery.”

The vehicles crashed on a stretch of road that follows on from the A229 between Frittenden and Staplehurst.

The drivers of the other two cars involved suffered minor injuries.

Mr Maitland’s family released a tribute shortly after the double tragedy and described the 63-year-old as a “loving husband, father and grandpa”.

He leaves behind wife Linda and two sons.

Anyone who has information about the accident should ring 101 or call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit direct on 01622 798535 if they haven't done so already.