Tributes have been paid to a motorsport marshal who died after a crash at Brands Hatch.

Robert Foote, 67, has been named locally as the volunteer at the track, near Dartford on Saturday afternoon who was struck by a car which had flipped into a section of fencing.

Emergency services including an air ambulance descended on the world-famous circuit but he died as a result of his injuries. Racing was cancelled throughout the afternoon.

More than £10,000 has already been donated to a Justgiving page, which aims to raise funds for the marshal's loved ones.

Tributes have also poured in over social media with many posting orange love hearts – the colours adorned by marshals – and photos with the hashtag #OrangeArmy.

One wrote: "This is so sad, such a gentleman. Condolences to all his family.

Another said: "A great man taken too soon. We use to have many great conversations about motor sports and his Caterham 7 he built. RIP Rob heaven has another motor sport legend."

Robert, a former mayor of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, was described by friends as a highly skilled engineer who worked in the aircraft industry and as a motor vehicle technician.

He represented the residents of Cuddington in Surrey and raised significant sums for his chosen charities while mayor.

During his tenure at town hall, Rob and his late wife Rosemary, launched Epsom Buses, Silver Service.

Friend Steve Whiteway wrote on Facebook: "It is with deep sorrow I inform you that our friend Rob Foote, has been killed at Brands Hatch, whilst serving as a volunteer marshal at the famous motor racing circuit.

He added: "Rob was perhaps best known to us as one of Epsom Coaches highly valued part time drivers.

"Rob's talents and kindness spread very wide and it was typical of him to be giving his time so freely to motor sport."

The air ambulance landing at the scene

Former Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton also reacted to the tragedy, saying his heart is with the volunteer marshal’s family.

He wrote on Instagram: “Devastated to hear of the passing of a marshal at the Brands Hatch Circuit."

The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) has confirmed a probe into the crash is underway.

A statement issued by the racing organisation said: "As with any major incident, the BARC is now working with the national governing body, Motorsport UK, and the local police.

"On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved."

Police say they were called shortly before 3pm "following a collision involving a car and two people on foot".

A spokesman added: "Officers attended and carried out enquiries at the scene. No suspicious circumstances have been reported."

The incident comes six days after British Superbike rider Brad Jones was placed in an induced coma following a crash at Brands Hatch.

Track medics were also called to a "monster crash" at the track in June after a driver had a narrow escape.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford