A young girl and a man in his 30s have died following a horrific collision involving a tipper truck and a pony on a busy road.

The devastating crash occurred in East Peckham near Tonbridge on Wednesday, April 1, on the A228 Boyle Way, between the junctions of Branbridges Road and Hale Street.

Police confirmed that a white DAF tipper truck was travelling along the southbound carriageway when it collided with a pony and trap heading in the same direction — the pony also perished at the scene.

Emergency services, including South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, rushed to the scene, where a man in his 30s, who had been riding in the trap, was pronounced dead.

A woman and a young girl who had also been travelling in the trap were rushed to hospital, where the young girl was sadly pronounced dead. The woman remains in a critical condition.

The tipper truck driver, a 29 year old man from Kent, was arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.

Kent Police are now appealing for witnesses and any dashcam footage to help establish the full circumstances of the tragedy.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “An investigation into the circumstances is underway and witnesses or anyone who saw the truck or pony and trap prior to the collision, is urged to contact the appeal line.

“Call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference BN/JG/027/26.” “Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.police.uk.”