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Young motorcyclist dies after crash

Crash site in Rainham High Street
Crash site in Rainham High Street

by Lynn Cox and Jenni Horn

A young motorcyclist killed in a crash with a car in Rainham has been named as 21-year-old Richard Barker.

The rider, from Medway, collided with a Ford Fiesta at a mini roundabout in Rainham High Street at the junction with Holding Street.

It is believed the driver of the car is a 90-year-old man from Gillingham.

The collision happened at about 9.40pm and police suspect a motorist driving a third vehicle - thought to be a white van - might have witnessed the collision, but did not stop at the scene.

Mr Barker was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

This morning, a bunch of white flowers had been left at the scene with a card simply stating the name 'Richie B'.

Debris and oil could still be seen on the road.

A woman who lives opposite the crash site, but did not want to be named, said: "I heard an almighty bang and felt the impact. We thought something had hit our outside wall and when I looked out I saw the man lying in the road.

"I went rushing out and called an ambulance and at the time he was talking, mumbling and trying to move."

Crash investigators closed the road to carry out an examination of the area.

Rainham High Street was not opened again until 1.30am this morning.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A man in his early 20s later died from his injuries in hospital."

Officers from the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses to phone 01622 798538.

They would especially like to speak to the driver of a white box van, or similar looking vehicle, which was around the scene at the time as the occupants could be vital witnesses to the collision.

Did you know the man or did you see what happened? Leave your comments below or phone the newsroom on 01634 227803.

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