A driver killed in a crash with a double decker bus on the A21 was a serving Kent Police detective, it has emerged today.

DC Adrian Grew, 32, died after a smash at the Scotney Castle roundabout on the Lamberhurst bypass at 6.20pm yesterday.

Colleagues today paid tribute to the "popular and talented officer", who leaves a wife and baby son.

Kent Police Federation chairman Ian Pointon said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Detective Constable Adrian Grew following a road traffic collision on the A21 near Lamberhurst yesterday.

"Adrian had recently joined the Serious Crime Directorate after working in CID at Tonbridge for several years.

"A popular and talented officer with huge potential. I am told by colleagues he was an excellent detective. Adrian leaves a widow and baby son.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Adrian's family, friends and colleagues at this hugely tragic time. May Adrian rest in peace."

Witnesses are being sought over the crash, which saw the road closed for several hours before reopening this morning.

It is not known if DC Grew was on duty at the time.

The bus did not have any passengers on board and its driver was uninjured.

Kent Police's serious collision investigation unit is now examining the circumstances of the crash.

Friends paid tributes to DC Grew on Facebook, describing him as a "great guy and extremely hard working".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Adrian's family, friends and colleagues at this hugely tragic time..." - Kent Police Federation chairman Ian Pointon

Jackie McInerney said: "I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear this tragic news.

"I had the pleasure in working with Adrian for several years in Tonbridge and in serious crime. He was a great guy and extremely hard working. My love and thoughts go out to his family at this tragic time. X"

Adam Moore posted: "True good guy and a pleasure to work with. RIP"

And Rebecca Benson said: "One of the best detectives I've worked with, RIP Adrian, far too young, love to your friends and family x."

The north-bound and south-bound carriageways of the A21 were closed at the Flimwell Crossroads and traffic was diverted from the Bewl Water turnoff towards Cranbrook.

Police are appealing for witnesses to phone the serious collision investigation unit's Claire Russell Thomas on 01622 798538.

Investigators say the bus was heading north, away from Flimwell, and the car was leaving the roundabout and heading south when the crash happened.

Did you know Adrian Grew? Pay your tributes by leaving a comment below.