A motorcyclist who died after losing control and crashing into a tree in Maidstone has been named locally as Damen.

The tragic accident happened on the A229 Loose Road near Sheals Crescent just after 5pm yesterday.

Floral tributes to the 36-year-old rider, from Maidstone, have now built up at the scene where he sadly died from his injuries.

A note from a woman named Lianne, reads: "To my darling Damen, I will miss you so much and I know you will always be with me."

The air ambulance landed in Maidstone Grammar School field, but medics were unable to save him.

Police accident investigators were called to the scene and Upper Stone Street was closed at Mote Road for several hours.

The A229 Loose Road was also closed north-bound at Armstrong Road.

It was initially thought the man had crashed into a lamppost, but it was later confirmed he hit a tree and then a wall.

A woman who lives nearby said she returned from collecting her four-year-old son from school to find the road full of emergency services.

Reports suggest the rider crashed and was launched head-first into the boundary wall of a house.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the victim for about 20 minutes, but were unsuccessful.

With the traffic backed up for hours, a Lower Stone Street restaurant, Vesuvius Italian, took to the streets to provide free pizza to hungry motorists for their dinner.

Officers have now launched an appeal for witnesses.

PC Guy Ditcher said: "The collision occurred along the A229 Loose Road at the junction with Sheals Crescent in Maidstone.

"A black and white Aprilia 125cc motorcycle was being ridden along Upper Stone Street, when it seems the rider lost control.

"This caused the motorcycle to leave the carriageway to the nearside.

"The rider collided with a tree and a boundary wall, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:32pm by a doctor."

Anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not yet contacted police is asked to call 01622 798538 or e-mail sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.

Stories you might have missed

Fire-ravaged homes rebuild controversy

'It has been really hard to say our final farewell'

John Newman sets up home in Kent

Falcons Dick and Dom pursue world speed record