The parents of a paramedic killed in a horror crash on the A21 have paid tribute to their 'beautiful, kind' daughter.

Alice Clark, 21, who had only joined South East Coast Ambulance Service in November, died in the accident near Tonbridge last night.

Her parents said tonight: "Alice was so excited to qualify as a paramedic and looked forward to every shift.

"She was a beautiful, kind, fun loving daughter, sister and granddaughter. She loved to travel and anyone who met her loved her.

"She will be missed more than words can say by family and friends. We would ask for privacy at this very sad and tragic time for us."

Giovanni Mazza, manager at the Paddock Wood Operating Unit where Alice was based said: “Although she had only been with us for a short time, Alice was already very much part of our ambulance family and will be remembered as a kind and dedicated paramedic.

"She will be deeply and sadly missed by her colleagues and we’re sending our love and prayers to her family and friends during this horrendous time.”

A male paramedic was airlifted to hospital with serious multiple injuries after the crash while a student paramedic suffered head injuries.

The driver of a cement lorry also involved in the accident suffered minor injuries.

Miss Clark, from Newington, near Sittingbourne, was a former pupil of Rainham Mark Grammar School.

She left in 2018 and went to the University of Greenwich to study to become a paramedic, graduating in July 2021.

Friends and colleagues have taken to social media tonight posting tributes and memories to Miss Clark.

Daisy Holden said: "Alice it was a pleasure to work with you, you will be so missed."

Sarah Freiter said: "RIP Alice. How lucky we were to have known you, always so kind and wonderful to be around.

"Thank you for being the best of friends to Millie, you gave her so many shared special memories to treasure always. Sleep tight."

Sian Whittaker added: "RIP beautiful lady, another life lost too soon.

"I worked with Alice while she was training to become a paramedic. Such a lovely soul, a big loss. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family."

Richard Ward, who says he taught Alice while she was training, said: "Rest in peace, Alice. It was a pleasure to teach you for three years at Greenwich.

"You, like all of our graduates, have made us proud. You accomplished your dream and helped many along the way."

The ambulance service's executive director of operations Emma Williams said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and our heart-felt sympathies go to her family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

"Our thoughts are also with the other injured staff members as well as all of those who responded to the incident.

“We are supporting the police in their enquiries and would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.”

Among those paying tribute was NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard.

She tweeted: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about our @SECAmbulance colleague who tragically died whilst on duty yesterday.

"On behalf of everyone in the NHS, our condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues, and my thoughts are also with the two colleagues injured in the accident."

Kent, Surrey and Sussex air ambulance tweeted: "We are heartbroken by this tragic incident and send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the paramedic who very sadly lost her life and all those injured and directly involved, as well as all of our friends and colleagues at SECAmb.

"You have been and will remain in our hearts and thoughts."

Ambulance services across the country, including East Midlands, South Central and Wales, also passed on their condolences to their South East Coast colleagues.

The Kent Police Federation posted: "Incredibly sad news as the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirm the death of a paramedic involved in a collision on the A21 yesterday - our thoughts with the paramedic's family, friends and colleagues at this time."

The road was shut for several hours before reopening at around 8am.

If anyone has any information that may assist with the investigation please call 01622 798538 quoting RY/CF/03/22. You can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk