POLICE officers carrying out an inquiry into a crash on the M20 which claimed the lives of three men will be asking a series of questions in a bid to determine what happened.

Four vehicles, a Vauxhall Cavalier, a Kawasaki motorbike, a Vauxhall Astra and a Kent Police Volvo patrol car were in the crash at Addington, near West Malling, shortly before 10.30pm last Monday.

The incident has been referred to the Police Complaints Authority and the Metropolitan Police will carry out the investigation under their supervision.

The authority is an independent body set up to oversee complaints by the public against police officers - but also automatically handles inquiries into incidents where police officers are involved.

Among those who died was 33-year-old Kent Messenger IT support technician Jimmy Atirene, who was riding the motor bike. He was based at the company's head office at Larkfield and lived at St Paul's Cray.

Two young men in the Cavalier also died at the scene. They were Kevin Wratten, 19, of Taylor Road, Snodland, and Ricci Parker, also 19, of Simpson Road, Snodland.

Police Complaints Authority spokesman Mike Delaney said that "key" questions likely to be asked about the incident were:

* How the first collision between Mr Atirene's Kawasaki bike and the Vauxhall Cavalier occurred.

* If the weather conditions or state of the road had any effect on the crash.

* Whether the three victims were still alive when the second and third impacts occurred.

* Why the second and third vehicles could not avoid the accident.

* Whether the police officers on their way to the emergency in Wrotham were following the correct procedures.

Mr Delaney added: "We produce an objective report and once that's done it will go to the Crown Prosecution Service who will see if there are any criminal aspects to deal with.

"After that it goes to the coroner who will come to a verdict and then we will consider any disciplinary actions in the police force involved. I must stress that there is no suggestion of this at the moment, we are only talking in general terms," he added.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to telephone Kent Police on 01622 690690.

Tributes have been paid by friends and colleagues of Mr Atirene. Sandra Fennemore, KM Group IT manager, said: "Jimmy joined the IT department just a year ago as a contract support technician with his specific expertise being in support of Apple Macintosh equipment.

"We were so impressed with his technical ability, and with him as a person, that we were extremely pleased to be able to eventually offer him a full time position.

"Jimmy was a great guy and easily made friends. He was an infectious, lively character, always remaining positive, irrespective of what life threw at him.

"He was full of fun and mischief, whilst at the same time, taking his responsibilities very seriously.

"He made such an impression on his colleagues, both within the IT department and the IT users around the company, that he was nominated for - and won - the IT person of the year award at the KMG staff awards held in November."

She stressed: "All members of staff at KMG have been shocked and deeply saddened by what has happened. Our hearts go out to his family."

Emily Weston, the company's IT helpdesk manager, said: "Jimmy was the most unique character you could ever wish to meet.

"His outlook on life was inspirational. He maintained a positive attitude, irrespective of the circumstances. You couldn’t help but feel happy in his company. He had the ability to leave a lasting impact on everyone he met.

"This was evident when he won the IT Person of the Year award at this year's KM Awards Night where he received the biggest cheer of the evening as he collected his award."

"As well as his extensive knowledge, Jimmy had the ability to remember even the most minor details and felt strongly about ensuring he always provided an excellent level of customer service and technical support. He was a great believer in treating people with respect and was a true gentleman."

She added: "It was refreshing to meet someone who never complained, or gave the impression of being unhappy. He had some very special qualities. Our lives will not be the same without him."