A four-year-old boy involved in a fatal crash died in hospital from head, chest, and abdominal injuries, an inquest has heard.

Peter Maughan was critically injured in a collision involving two vehicles along New Barn Road in Southfleet at around 9.30pm on June 1.

The youngster, who lived at nearby Brakefield Road, died at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford later that night.

An inquest into his death opened in Maidstone yesterday (June 18) and heard how Peter was born in Bristol.

His cause of death was given as 1a) head, chest and abdominal injuries.

The inquest was adjourned to be heard in full in December in front of assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon.

Earlier this month, a father and son accused of the youngster’s murder were told they aren't expected to stand trial until early next year.

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both of Hill Rise, Darenth, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on June 6 via prison video link in relation to the collision in which little Peter Maughan died.

During the brief proceedings, it was revealed for the first time by lawyers acting on the defendants' behalf that Owen was the driver of one of the vehicles involved and his dad was a passenger.

The youngster was in a vehicle — a grey Ford Ranger — along with his dad, Lovell Mahon, mum Hayley Maughan, and one-year-old sister, Annarica, when the incident occurred.

Mr Mahon, 24, was also seriously injured and taken in a critical condition to hospital along with his children, but Peter — who is known affectionately by his family as Peter Rabbit — sadly died that evening.

Patrick and Owen Maughan, who were in a second Ford Ranger and are related to the alleged victims, were arrested and charged with the little boy's murder.

They are also accused of two counts of attempting to wound with intent and one charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The charges are in connection with the injuries sustained by Mr Mahon, Hayley Maughan and Annarica.

Devastated family members and friends, believed to be from the Travelling community, have paid tribute to their “Peter Rabbit” online, describing him as a beautiful “angel”.

One said: “You were golden, Peter. The family chain is broken and will never be the same without you my boy. Forever 4.”

Another added: “Rest in peace baby. A little angel way too good for this sick, cruel world. Straight to the gates of heaven.”

A third said: “So heartbreaking. A beautiful baby boy, rest in heavenly peace, angel.

“He was the kindest little boy and loving child.”

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact the Major Crime Unit via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using this link.

Alternatively call the Major Crime Appeal Line on 01622 652006 to leave contact details.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.