A police officer has died following an incident on the A249 at the junction with the A2 near Sittingbourne shortly after 8am on Sunday 14 June.

PC Philip Pratt, aged 26, was injured by a vehicle as he attempted to introduce diversions at the scene of an earlier accident. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being flown to The Royal London hospital in Whitechapel by air ambulance. He was pronounced dead at the hospital a short while later.

Tribute to exceptional officer

The Chief Constable of Kent, Michael Fuller, said 'PC Pratt was a dedicated officer who devoted years to serving the people of Kent. He worked as a civilian employee and a special constable before becoming a full time probationary officer in January 2005. He completed his probationary period in January 2007. His enthusiasm and ability won him praise from colleagues and members of the public. He will be fondly remembered and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts, and deepest sympathy, are with his family and friends at this tragic time.'

An investigation into the death of PC Pratt, who was based at Sittingbourne, has begun.