Teenager, 17, dies after being hit by motorbike at funeral attended by 150 people

A teenager has died after being hit by a motorcycle at a funeral that had 150 guests.

Dad-of-three Aaron Smith, 17, was airlifted to hospital after suffering head injuries on Thursday morning in Murston, near Sittingbourne in Kent.

He is understood to have died late on Friday night.

Another 17-year-old boy attending the funeral was also seriously hurt after being hit by a motorbike.

Police confirmed two men aged 24 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence and remain in custody.

Tributes have been paid to Aaron by his family via social media, and a Gofundme page has been launched to raise money for his wife and children.

He was believed to have been attending the funeral of Bill Rye when the accident happened at 10.40 am.

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The Gofundme page titled “For Aaron” states: "We are raising money for his family.

"He was taken too soon and left behind three babies and a loving wife. We need to do this in his memory."

A family member posted: "I'm going to miss you singing to me Aaron. I still can't believe it."

Another relative added: "Can't believe dear little Aaron Smith gone. Love him.

"Always loved listening to him sing and play guitar. Always would help anybody. A lovely young fella and old-fashioned boy."

A Kent Police said they attended the funeral due to "concerns about social distancing" during the coronavirus pandemic after they were unable to speak to organisers the night before.

Chief Inspector Neil Loudon said: "Officers' priority was to maintain a presence while offering protection to the wider community around any health concerns they may have had.

"Those who have been identified as attending the ceremony and not adhering to the public health advice will be contacted in due course and reminded of their personal responsibilities during these unprecedented times."

He added they had received reports about the gathering due to "anti-social riding" among large numbers of bikers at the funeral.

The incidents are being investigated by Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

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