A sprightly pensioner died after being hit by a motorbike on his way home from collecting the winnings from a football bet, it has emerged.

The family of Richard Kane believe he was returning to his home in Cooper Road, Lordswood, on Saturday evening with his money, a loaf of bread and some milk when he was struck by a blue Yamaha.

It is thought the 89-year-old was coming back from Walderslade Village at about 5.15pm when he was knocked down by the motorbike on Dargets Road, a steep hill in Walderslade.

He suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to King's College Hospital in London.

Mr Kane, who had lived in the Medway Towns for more than 30 years, was pronounced dead early yesterday morning.

A single bunch of flowers has been left close to the scene of the tragedy. The message on them reads: "R.I.P. Grandad, with all our love Tommy, Deb, Jamie, Tommy, Alfie and Lily."

Returning there the next day, his grandson Tom Davey paid tribute to a "very, very kind man".

Visibly still in shock, he said: "He was as sharp as a razor, he was still so independent. It’s tragic."

Paul Hulott, who lives on the road, said he heard a "thud and a crash" and rushed out of his house to see what was going on.

He found both the biker, who is 23 but has not been named, and Mr Kane lying on the road.

Mr Hulott said: "We put blankets and everything on him last night. It wasn't nice. We kept him as comfortable as we could until the paramedics showed up."

He said the biker was "crying his heart out" in the aftermath, adding: "The biker was extremely shocked, he couldn't believe what happened."

He was also taken to hospital with a minor leg injury, but was later discharged.

The road to the junction with the Lordswood Lane roundabout was closed for more than six hours while police investigated.

Witnesses are urged to call Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

Did you know Richard? Leave a tribute below.

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