A head teacher has paid tribute to a teenage schoolgirl who was hit by a car and later died in hospital.

Ellie Paine, a 16-year-old pupil at Highsted Grammar School in Sittingbourne, was seriously injured on Sunday when she was hit by a silver Vauxhall Zafira. (November 1)

The accident happened at 6.25pm as she was crossing the A2 Canterbury Road, Sittingbourne, at its junction with Murston Road. She died later in a London hospital on Wednesday. (November 4)

Officers from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit want to talk to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam or CCTV footage who has not yet spoken to police.

The school has paid tribute to the Year 11 pupil.

Head teacher Anne Kelly said: “We will remember Ellie as an enthusiastic and hard-working member of our school community and as a wonderful friend to many of our pupils.

"Ellie was keen to take part in a variety of activities and was fully involved in school life. She was an active member of the School Council and was committed to charity work within school and especially within her House.

"She was an exceptional artist with a passion for portraiture and she enjoyed participating in school drama productions. Ellie was a determined and selfless student, incredibly helpful and supportive of others and able to build lasting relationships and friendships with all members of her form."

She added that she had spoken to many of Ellie’s friends and support was in place for any pupil or member of staff who felt they needed it.

The school has opened a book of condolences. Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash.

Ellie's step-father Mark Foster was approached and said the family will be releasing a tribute to Ellie later but has asked for time for private grief.

Anyone with information should call the police on 01622 798538, quoting reference AH/CF/96/20 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne