Police officers in Gillingham have arrested a suspect after the death of John O'Donohue in a hit and run.

The arrest comes after Mr O'Donohue's mother paid tribute to the "gentle giant".

John O’Donohue, 33, who was also know as John Hedges, died in hospital on Friday after being hit by a car in Castlemaine Avenue, Gillingham, on Thursday night.

In a tribute to her son, Maise O’Donohue said: “John was a gentle giant who lived for his children.

“He was a loving father, son and grandchild and was a family man first and foremost.”

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched a murder investigation after his death.

Today (Sunday) detectives arrested a 20-year-old man from Rochester on suspicion of the supply of a controlled drug and affray. He remains in custody and is assisting police with their enquiries into the incident.

It is believed the occupants of a green Ford Mondeo Estate were involved in a dispute with Mr O’Donohue and a friend at the junction with Grange Road.

They both walked off down Castlemaine Avenue and were soon followed by the Mondeo, which drove down the road towards them and hit Mr O’Donohue.

The other man was unharmed and ran to raise the alarm at a nearby badminton club.

The occupants of the vehicle, described as two dark-skinned men aged in their 20s and wearing casual clothing, ran away.

A team of detectives now believe the two men ran across a park behind the badminton club.

DI Ivan Beasley, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:

“The incident began at the junction with Grange Road and I would like to appeal to those people that haven’t yet come forward and might have witnessed that argument to come forward and help us with our inquiries."

Anybody with information is asked to call Kent Police on 101, quoting incident reference 23-1466. Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.