An inquest has opened into the death of a “beautiful” 16-year-old girl who was killed in a crash.

Alisha Ponter, from Folkestone, was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux which collided with a road barrier and overturned on the A249 near Maidstone on February 24.

The incident happened on the Sheppey-bound carriageway, near the Stockbury roundabout and Church Hill, between Maidstone and Sittingbourne.

The emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called at around 6.50pm and although efforts were made to save her, Alisha died at the scene.

An inquest has now been opened into the Folkestone Academy pupil’s death at Oakwood House, in Maidstone, today (March 8).

Area coroner Katrina Hepburn told the court Alisha lived in Linden Crescent, Folkestone, and died following a “single vehicle road traffic collision”.

The court heard the car was travelling northbound when it “collided with the barrier” and “overturned”.

Her cause of death was given as head and chest injuries.

The inquest was opened but formally suspended to allow the police investigation to take place.

Alisha’s family have paid tribute to their “bubbly” and “one-of-a-kind” daughter and have created a roadside tribute near the crash site.

Speaking to KentOnline previously, mum Cody Marie Hobman said: “She was the most beautiful girl ever and was amazing.

“I feel broken and she was loved very much. She was the quirkiest girl going and was our little sparkler.”

Dad Luke Ponter added: “We all are absolutely heartbroken. She was very bubbly and a one-of-a-kind.

“She was very dependable and was just beautiful.

“She loved getting her fake tan done, eyelashes, and nails - she absolutely loved a sunbed. Alisha loved beauty and was just about to have work experience in a beauty shop.

“She had an amazing personality.”

It is understood Alisha was travelling to Detling to meet friends when the crash happened.

A boy, believed to be 15, was also taken to a London hospital with serious injuries, while a 17-year-old boy suffered minor injuries.

The older boy was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and taken into custody. He has been bailed to return to the police station on May 20.

A police spokesman said its serious collision investigation unit is leading inquiries and officers are asking drivers with dashcam to check for any important footage.

Anyone with information should contact SCIU on 01622 798 538, quoting reference RY/HG/021/24. You can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.