Double arrest after hospital

Following the crash, two teenagers, a 19-year-old man from Ashford and a 17-year-old girl from Maidstone, both of whom had previously been discharged from hospital, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Both have since been released pending further investigation.

Kent Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to a police vehicle being in close proximity at the time of the crash.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We have begun an independent investigation into the actions of the police prior to a road traffic incident in Kent in which, sadly, a young woman has died.

“We were notified by Kent Police that at about 8.20pm on Saturday, July 4 in Mundy Bois Road, Egerton, police on patrol in a marked vehicle saw a vehicle containing six people that then headed off at speed.

“The police vehicle turned around to follow the vehicle and found it had crashed. Officers called the ambulance service and gave medical assistance at the scene.

“Our investigators attended the scene of the collision and attended the post-incident procedures.

“Part of our investigation will be to establish whether or not the police were actively pursuing the vehicle.”

■ The police appeal remains open and anyone with information should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference DB/LB/60/20 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn. police.uk