THE family of a 16-year-old who died after a road crash in Northfleet have paid tribute to a "gifted" boy.

Josh Callaghan was walking along London Road, near Rosherville Primary School, when a car left the road and mounted the pavement on Saturday at about 4pm.

The youngster, of Canon Road, Bromley, was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel, but died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His father, Tim Callaghan, who was walking with him at the time, said: "He was a gifted and popular boy who is going to be greatly missed by many people. He loved his music and could play the drums, guitar and his latest love, the bass guitar. He had a large circle of friends and was a loving son and brother – a bright star who had far to go. We are all devastated by his death."

The car driver, a man from Rochester, was in a maroon Vauxhall Vectra, which also collided with a parked car. He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with arm and leg injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who saw the collision, or the moments just before it, is asked to call Kent Police's Serious Collision Witness Appeal Line on 01622 798538.

They would also like to speak with the driver of a small silver vehicle, believed to have been following the car which collided with Josh.

Sgt Glen Braidwood from Kent Police’s serious crash investigation unit is investigating the incident. He said: “We have information that a small silver car was following the Vauxhall just before the collision. It is likely that the driver will have vital information which will help us piece together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to this tragic incident. I would urge them to get in touch as soon as possible.”

No arrests have been made at this time in connection with the collision.