A Dartford dad who was killed in a four-car crash which let his two-year-old son fighting for life in hospital has been described as a "beloved son, husband, father and brother".

Andy Hoyle, 36, died and his child, who was the only passenger in his blue Ford Fiesta, was serious injured after the collision on the A267 at Frant, East Sussex, just after 11am on Wednesday.

The smash on the busy A-road was between a Ford Fiesta, a white Renault Master, a silver Toyota Estima and a silver Honda that allegedly did not stop after the collision.

Police said the youngster suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London in a critical condition and is still receiving treatment.

News Shopper: Andy Hoyle, 36, died and his child (SWNS)Andy Hoyle, 36, died and his child (SWNS)

Last week a 76-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and for failing to stop after a road accident.

He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue, police said.

Mr Hoyle’s two-year-old son is still in a critical but stable condition in hospital in London, Sussex Police confirmed.

He was named today as the victim of the crash and a picture of him with his son was released by police.

In a statement today (Wed) Mr Hoyle's family said: “Andy was a beloved son, husband, father and brother who will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

“We ask that we are allowed time to grieve privately, as we continue to focus on supporting and caring for Andy’s son.”

Detectives investigating the collision are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have captured any dash cam footage from the area around that time.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "A man has sadly died following a four-vehicle collision which occurred on the A267 at Frant about 11.11am on Wednesday, August 18.

"The incident involved a blue Ford Fiesta, a white Renault Master, a silver Toyota Estima and a silver or grey Honda car which failed to stop at the scene.

"The Fiesta driver - a 36-year-old man from Dartford, Kent - was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Police have been working to trace the driver of one of the vehicles involved and on Thursday (August 19) arrested a 76-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and for failing to stop after a road accident.

"Police are urging any witnesses - or anyone who may have captured either of the vehicles in the area on dashcam - to get in contact."

Witnesses can email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Utility.

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