A devastated friend of a dad who died after being hit by a car has told how "he was loved by many".

Railway worker Phil Stovell, 32, was airlifted to hospital following the crash in Garlinge, Margate.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Caxton Road just after 1am on Thursday.

But it was tragically confirmed the young dad died from his injuries yesterday.

Mr Stovell's friend and former railway colleague, Nick Farrow, told KentOnline: "He would go out of his way and do anything for anyone.

"He was always smiling, happy and hyper. He would always put a smile on your face if you were in his presence.

"He used to be there any time I needed him and he would come to my house to help me.

"He gave me lifts if I needed them, he did a lot for a lot of people and he had a big circle of friends who cared about him."

Mr Farrow has since launched a fundraiser - which can be accessed here - to help Mr Stovell's family pay for the funeral costs and give him the "send-off of the century".

He has set a target of £5,000.

The white car involved in the crash reportedly left before police arrived.

Following inquiries, a 39-year-old man from Margate was arrested on suspicion of offences including failing to stop after a collision and was taken into custody.

He has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for anyone who saw the collision or the car beforehand, or who has private CCTV or dashcam footage of the area to contact them.

Witnesses should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798 538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting KH/DGC/112/21.

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