The inquests into the deaths of two young women killed in a car crash have opened.

Front seat passenger Casey Hood, 18, died at the scene in Womenswold, near Canterbury, after the car she was in hit a tree in the early hours of Friday, September 14.

Mum-of-one Lucy Leadbeater, 27, was taken to King's College Hospital in London in a critical condition, but could not be saved.

The hairdresser, who lived in Deal, is thought to have been driving the Toyota Yaris, which was being followed by police at the time of the crash.

The hearing at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone this morning heard both women died of severe head injuries.

Two men, who were also in the car, were taken to hospital. One had suffered serious injuries.

Identical twin Casey, also known as Cassey, went to Canterbury High School and previously lived in the city, but had moved to Dover before her death.

Her mother, Natalie Hood, was found dead in Dover in the days after the tragedy.

The three deaths sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, family and well-wishers, with a series of memorial events being held in the aftermath and a fundraising campaign launched to help pay for funerals.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the double fatality.

The death of Natalie Hood has also been referred to it.

The inquest was adjourned until Monday, December 3, when a full hearing exploring the circumstances of the crash will take place.