A thief has sparked outrage after stealing a tribute left for a crash victim.

Flowers had been tied to a lamppost in Ashford for a man who died after crashing on his electric bicycle.

The victim, 31, has been named locally as Algert lleshi, from Kilburn in north west London.

He died in a London hospital on Saturday after being found badly injured in Beaver Road three days earlier.

Ashford resident Alfie Gent witnessed the tragic crash and laid the flowers after being contacted by Mr Ileshi's family and friends.

He said: "Unfortunately none of his family or friends could make it here to lay any tributes so I went down there on their behalf.

"I saw the crash happen and was so sad to hear that he died later, I still find it almost hard to believe.

"After speaking with Algert's best friend, it is the only way I could show my respect for him".

However, less than five hours later, Mr Gent found that the tribute had been taken.

"I was shocked," he said. "It was really upsetting to find that they were gone.

"I had even used a zip tie to secure it to the lamp post, so it wasn't as if they were just picked up – it would have taken effort to remove them.

"I just can't believe someone would do such a thing."

"There is always someone out there with no heart"

News of the theft spread on social media, sparking fury among residents.

One said: "We all sadly know that a bunch flowers on a pole or a bridge is for an upsetting reason.

"It’s not like they were left in the middle of the floor or dropped, it’s obvious. Honestly you try to do a nice thing and there is always someone out there with no heart".

Another added: "Apologies for the following negativity, but that's just sick. Your act was one of kindness and restores our faith in humanity. Thank you.

"But to the person that stole the flowers...Wow. I pity you when the person that received them finds out where you got them!"

Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses to the crash, and are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the man beforehand.

They are also looking to speak to anyone who saw a woman who was driving a small white car, which stopped at the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 101, quoting reference SL/47/21.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford