Teen Killed in Sittingbourne Crash: Police Hunt Witnesses and Missing Vehicles
Kent Police are desperate for witnesses to step up after a tragic collision in Sittingbourne left a 17-year-old boy dead.
Fatal Crash Near Tonge Road
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit says the smash happened just before 10:45am on 16 April at the junction of Tonge Road and Portland Avenue. The teenager, a pedestrian, suffered critical head injuries and was airlifted to a London hospital. He sadly died on the evening of 19 April.
Officers know a large crowd was nearby at the time. They are urgently calling on anyone who saw the crash or knows about the vehicles involved to come forward — especially those who haven’t spoken to police yet.
Multiple vehicles were reportedly taken from the scene. Detectives want to trace these cars and their owners to piece together what happened.
“Now we know the full severity of the tragic circumstances, I would encourage those who have any knowledge of the vehicles’ whereabouts to take time to reflect and come forward,” said Police Sergeant Jason Heather.
Man Charged with Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
Robert Varrier, 29, from Sittingbourne, was charged on 19 April with:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Failing to stop after a road traffic accident
He appeared via video link at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 20 April and has been remanded in custody. Varrier is due at Maidstone Crown Court on 18 May.
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, vehicle theft, and driving without a license or insurance was released pending further enquiries.
Help Police Find Witnesses and Evidence
If you saw the crash or have dashcam or mobile footage, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538. Quote reference DB/LB/037/20. You can also email [email protected].
Separate Motorbike Chaos Leads to Charges
Kent Police are also probing reports of reckless motorbike riders causing havoc nearby on the same day.
Thomas Ripley, 24, of Orpington, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a proper licence. He pled guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 18 April and awaits a Maidstone Crown Court hearing.
His brother, Shane Ripley, 32, from Sittingbourne, faces the same charges and is due at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 16 June 2020.
