A man who gatecrashed a Kent race track has been the victim of vile death threats - including one who wanted him to 'die like his dad'.

Jack Cottle, 21, described how his "moment of madness" has left him and his family suffering abuse.

Police are now investigating after the driver managed to bypass security on Saturday and get on to the track during a four-hour Beetle race.

Footage posted on YouTube and Facebook showed the car entering the circuit.

He said: "I've been receiving an unbelievable amount of death threats.

"I don't care how many people shout at me - I deserve to be shouted at - but some of these death threats have taken it to the next level."

The driver, from Tonbridge, told of his fears for his family after hearing the threats were now being targeted at his mum and sister.

Jack added: "I've had my mum ringing me saying she's getting death threats. She's been crying down the phone to me.

"People have been saying stuff about my dad, who died just over a year ago. They've been saying they hope I die of cancer, which is what he passed away from.

"One person commented on a picture of my Dad online and said 'I can tell you were the specimen of a f*** up, your dad died just to get away from you'.

"All I want now is my family to be safe.

"I have split emotions. Right now I don't really know where to go from here.

"I have only retaliated to some of the comments because it's making me angry people threatening my family."

Speaking after the gatecrashing, Jack said: "Never in a million years did I think I would get on the track.

"It was stupid, wreckless and dangerous and I am ridiculously sorry to the drivers for wasting time and money, and to the people that went to watch it - I ruined it for them too.

"I am horrified at the amount of preparation I ruined.

"It was a moment of madness which I was stupid enough to act on. I have probably destroyed my future, what started out as a simple joke has now ruined my life" - Jack Cottle

The former Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit hosted a Volkswagen Fun Cup race on Saturday when it is reported the man drove the car onto the track.

Event organisers have confirmed that an inquiry has been set up by police and track officials to discover how the driver got onto the course.

Mr Cottle said: "I never thought I'd get on, but when I got into the pit lane the guys didn't flag me down, they looked up and saw the car and just carried on with what they were doing.

"If at any point any one had made me stop the car or asked me what I was doing I wouldn't have gone ahead with it."

He has since been arrested and bailed until July 24 when investigations continue.