A motorcyclist has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash near Sittingbourne.

Aaron Smith, a 17-year-old father, was allegedly hit by a bike as he was waiting to attend a funeral in Tonge Road, Murston, on Thursday morning.

He was airlifted to Kings College Hospital, London, with serious head injuries and died on Friday.

Robert Varrier, 29 from Sittingbourne, is also charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

He appeared before Medway magistrates’ court today by video link and was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, May 18.

He was charged with the offences yesterday (Sunday).

A 21-year-old man from Sittingbourne who was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and driving without a licence or insurance has been released pending further enquiries.

Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the crash which happened at around 10.40am near the junction with Portland Avenue.

A spokesman said: "Officers are looking to talk to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage of the vehicles involved."

Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference DB/LB/037/20 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk.

Police are also investigating reports of a number of people riding motorbikes in a "disruptive and anti-social manner" in the same area on the same day.

In a separate incident, officers arrested and charged Thomas Ripley, 24, of Star Lane, Orpington, with dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without the correct licence.

He appeared before Medway magistrates’ court on Saturday where he pleaded guilty. He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing at a date to be set.

Shane Ripley, 32, of Miller Close, Sittingbourne, was also charged with the same offences and bailed to appear at Medway magistrates’ court on June 16.

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