A bench in memory of teenager Hannah Coan has been removed from Central Park after it was vandalised.

Hannah, 18, of North Street, Dartford, died in hospital last year, five days after she was hit by a car while crossing Heath Street – yards from her home.

The former Wilmington Academy student died from head injuries on September 12.

On October 16 last year, the council was given a donation from the Coan family and the bench was put close to the bandstand in late November.

Now Dartford council parks officer Dave West has said: “During late July and early August 2013, the bench was vandalised causing significant distress to the Coan family.

"The family requested the bench be returned to them for safe keeping.

"After due consideration, it was decided that the best course of action was for the council to accept the removal of the bench and place another, without dedication, at the same location, rather than leave the concrete hard-standing empty.”

The bench has now been moved back to the family’s home.