A man who crashed a car and died while being chased by police has been named as Ben Ashford.

The 26-year-old, of Pinnock Lane, Staplehurst, was declared dead at the crash scene on the A229 between Cross at Hand and Summerhill Road.

Police said a patrol car began to pursue the mechanic (pictured right)after officers spotted a silver Audi A3 travelling "at speed" near Linton Hill.

But the Audi disappeared from sight until officers came across the wreckage near Staplehurst in the early hours of the morning.

A tribute page set up on Facebook following his death – "RIP Ben Ashford!! Never Forgotten" – had 147 members and attracted hundreds of comments from mourners.

Dozens of floral tributes were also laid at the crash site and crowds gathered at Mangravet Recreation Ground, where Chinese lanterns were released in his memory.

Mr Ashford, formerly from Mangravet, Maidstone, was an ex-Oldborough Manor student.

Among those paying tribute online was Kelly Wood, who said Mr Ashford was one of the "kindest, thoughtful, and loving" people she had met.

She said he would have done anything for anyone, adding: "I'm 100% sure we will all keep a part of u alive in our hearts and minds."

Floral tributes at the spot where Ben Ashford died

An inquest into Mr Ashford's death on Saturday, March 23, was opened and adjourned this week.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was called in as a matter of routine following the accident, but is not investigating as it was an authorised chase conducted over a short period of time and police were a long way behind.

Did you know Ben Ashford? Leave your tributes below.