A teenager killed in a suspected drink-drive crash in Herne Bay has been named as Canterbury College student Stephin Thomas.

The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the smash in Canterbury Road at 2am on Friday.

Cricket-mad Stephin, who was studying science, was travelling in a black VW Golf with two friends when it careered off the road and into a fence near the junction with Bullockstone Road.

The driver – a 24-year-old from Canterbury – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Another passenger, thought to be the driver’s brother, suffered a broken leg and was taken to hospital.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy, which was shut off for almost 10 hours while serious crash investigators collected evidence.

Stephin’s parents said in a tribute to their son: “Nothing can ever replace you from our hearts Stephin.

“In God’s care you rest above, but you will always rest in our hearts with love.

“We will treasure all our memories of you. You will never be forgotten.”

Indian-born Stephin lived in Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, after moving to the UK from Kerala about six years ago.

He worked as a barman at the Abode Hotel in the city's high street whose general manager Declan Kelly said: "Stephin will be missed by many friends and colleagues at the hotel.

"A kind-hearted and passionate member of our team, he was always keen to go the extra mile and was a favourite amongst regular guests who enjoyed sampling his latest inventive cocktail creations.

"He was highly thought of throughout the hotel, a real star to us all and we will all miss him greatly”

He was a member of the Bethel Christian Fellowship, which meets at the Thanington Resource Centre.

It is believed his body will be flown back to India for his funeral, with the £8,000 costs of the repatriation already covered by an appeal set up by friends.

A message about Stephin’s death on the Canterbury Keralites Facebook page reads: “No one can prepare you for a loss, it comes like a swift wind.

“However, we take comfort in knowing that our Stephin is now resting in the arms of our Lord. We extend our deepest sympathy towards the family.

“We request your prayers for the family and their loved ones affected by this incident. Please pass this message to your dear ones.”

Police investigating the crash have launched an appeal for witnesses.

Det Sgt Scott Lynch said: “We are now six days on from this tragic collision.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who saw a black VW Golf being driven along the Sturry Road shortly before 2am on Friday, May 22, and has still not contacted us, to please do so.”

To contact the witness appeal line call 01622 798538.