An 18-year-old with aspirations of joining the army took his life after arguing with his partner, an inquest has heard.

At a hearing on Tuesday, Paul Bradshaw’s mother expressed her shock at her son’s death.

The teenager died in April after falling from Lunsford Lane bridge in Larkfield onto the M20 below.

He was hit by a Tesco lorry and died from multiple injuries, which were described as “catastrophic” in a post-mortem.

Colleagues at Larkfield Food and Wine said Mr Bradshaw had been quiet during his shift on the night of his death.

Evidence given by a member of staff said Mr Bradshaw was upset as he had been accused of cheating by his girlfriend, something he had vehemently denied.

Police discovered Mr Bradshaw and his partner had an argument via messaging and photo sharing app Snapchat.

During the argument Mr Bradshaw wrote: “I’m going for a walk because I’m absolutely fuming that someone has accused me of being a cheater.

“It’s getting hard not to beat my leg with a hammer.”

His partner later warned “Don’t end your life,” and he replied with “Bye”.

A suicide note was left in the Notes app on his phone.

In her evidence Paul’s mum Linda said: “I still find it hard to believe he would do something so drastic over being accused of cheating by his girlfriend.

“He was a very chilled, laid back person who loved animals. He was my son and part of me. I don’t think I will ever understand why this has happened.”

A statement from the driver of the Tesco lorry that struck Mr Bradshaw revealed he swerved after seeing a black and white figure fall from the bridge.

Despite his best attempts, the lorry struck Mr Bradshaw. Police have taken no action against the driver.

Giving evidence, Sgt Jason Heather revealed footage from the scene captured Mr Bradshaw standing on the bridge facing London-bound traffic for about three minutes before falling onto the carriageway below.

Despite paramedics carrying out CPR for 55 minutes, Mr Bradshaw was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner Ian Wade heard the former Malling School pupil had not spoken to his family or a doctor about his mental health prior to his death.

Anyone in need of emotional support should contact Samaritans on 116 123.