Afternoon:
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A police officer died after he was struck by a vehicle as he tried to introduce diversions at the scene of an accident.
Pc Philip Pratt, 26, of Kent Police, was injured on the A249 at its junction with the A2 near Sittingbourne, Kent, shortly after 8am yesterday.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, where he died a short while later.
Kent Police Chief Constable Michael Fuller tonight paid tribute to the young officer.
He said: “Pc Pratt was a dedicated officer who devoted years to serving the people of Kent.
“He worked as a civilian employee and a special constable before becoming a full-time officer in 2007.
“His enthusiasm and ability won him praise from colleagues and members of the public.
“He will be fondly remembered and will be missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his family and friends at this tragic time.”
In the earlier accident, a woman was cut free the wreckage of her overturned car nearby on the carriageway following the crash at around 7.30am.
She was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, while the road was shut in both directions as crash investigators conducted their inquiries.
A Kent Police spokeswoman said an investigation has begun into the fatal crash involving Pc Pratt, who was based at Sittingbourne police station.
