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Folkestone bus station crash victim named as John Spearpoint

13:25, 02 September 2022

updated: 13:28, 02 September 2022

The victim of last month's horrific accident at Folkestone bus station has been named locally as John Spearpoint.

Mr Spearpoint, of Bonsor Road, Folkestone, is understood to have been waiting at a stop in Bouverie Square when a single-decker Stagecoach 103 service to Lydd crashed through metal railings and into the shelter where he was sat.

John Spearpoint died after an accident at Folkestone bus station. Picture: Gary Browne
John Spearpoint died after an accident at Folkestone bus station. Picture: Gary Browne

He was airlifted to a London hospital following the incident on August 20, where he was treated for the serious injuries sustained in the accident.

Sadly doctors were unable to save him and he died on Sunday, August 28.

Mr Spearpoint, who was in his 70s, was known in the town for his involvement in model-making and he had previously worked at the Model Transport shop which once traded on Guildhall Street.

His former employer at the store, Trevor Claringbold, paid tribute to him by describing him as "very laid back, gentle, always smiling".

"He was good fun, he was always part of the team," he said.

Emergency services at the scene of the incident at Folkestone bus station last month. Picture: Rhys Griffiths
Emergency services at the scene of the incident at Folkestone bus station last month. Picture: Rhys Griffiths

"Everybody liked him, he was just one of those guys that you instantly took a liking to, he didn't have a bad word to say about anybody, and just lived life to the full.

"He used to enjoy himself and just got on with things that made him happy."

As well as being part of the community that grew up around the Model Transport shop, Mr Spearpoint was also involved in the Trucks 'N' Tracks shows staged at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.

Officers from Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit have appealed for witnesses who saw the incident at the bus station, which happened at around 10am, to come forward.

A spokesman for bus operator Stagecoach said: "Our heart goes out to the family of the gentleman who has died and to his loved ones.

"We are continuing to assist the investigation into the incident in every way that we can."

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