A tragic teen who died after consuming a large quantity of MDMA had been filmed shortly before his death.

Owen Kinghorn, 15, from Ashford, was found dead on September 7 after becoming separated from his friends the night before.

An inquest held today heard they had purchased MDMA before taking it together, however the substance quickly took hold.

He was found in a field next to Great Chart Cricket Ground, where he'd last been seen running around before running away from the group he was with.

Coroner Sonia Hayes said: "In this situation Owen appears to have responded very rapidly to a fatal dose of MDMA, and from the doctor's evidence he appears to have had a cardiac arrhythmia."

Ms Hayes also noted that: "Ten adults who died after MDMA overdose had been in the range of 600 to 2700 micrograms per litre of blood.

"The post-mortem's author has given the results, which show Owen had 4,128 microgrammes per litre.

"This shows it was in excess of adults who've died having taken much less. He clearly took a dose that was incredibly high."

The inquest held at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone heard Owen was likely not an experienced drug taker, and was unaware of the quantity he had taken.

It was also noted he had removed his jumper, and his friends had reported seeing him acting hot before he went missing.

Despite his disappearance at about 10pm on September 6, it was not until the next day that his friends showed concern. Rachael, Owen's mother, had believed him to be at a friend's house for a sleepover.

Reading a police report, the coroner said: "I understand it was friends who finally alerted Owen's mother that he wasn't with them.

"This was some considerable time later - at around 3pm the following day."

Mrs Kinghorn, who was attending the hearing, interjected by saying: "It was at 3pm that his friend messaged to ask if Owen was with me, but it was only later at about 6pm that he said he was with Owen the previous night."

"To lose a child is a terrible thing and so many things must be staying with you..."

Despite a message being found on Owen's phone referring to a drug deal, the supplier couldn't be identified.

Detective sergeant Glynn, appearing as a witness, confirmed it was correct when asked by the coroner: "I don't wish to dwell on this but I understand a short video clearly was taken of Owen under the influence?"

Summarising that this was a drug-related death due to MDMA excess, Ms Hayes said: "I offer my sincere condolences. To lose a child is a terrible thing and so many things must be staying with you.

"The only thing I must say to you as a parent is that parents are at a risk of not knowing where their children are and it's very hard to speak to them and encourage them about the consequences of high risk behaviour.

"Young people think they are invincible and I really do offer my sincere condolences."

The Kinghorn family has since been working with drug awareness charity The Kenward Trust on the trust's Think Differently campaign. The Kinghorns created a Just Giving page in support of the effort, which has so far raised more than £3,200.

Over the next month, free sessions educating parents and guardians about knife crime are being offered across the borough.

Kent Police and Ashford Borough Council will teach attendees about gangs, knives and associated criminal activity, as well as how to spot warning signs of gang membership.

Guest speakers will include an ex-gang member who now works with youth charity Uprising, alongside Owen Kinghorn's grandfather, David.

Running sporadically from Wednesday, February 26 and Friday, March 27, the Civic Centre in Ashford and Sinden Theatre in Tenterden will serve as host venues.

To book, or for more information - including when and where each session will be held - visit bit.ly/39v8Ldt

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