A 25-year-old man killed after crashing his car into a tree off had been drinking and taking cocaine.

Tom Smith was driving a blue Vauxhall Vectra along the A26 Tonbridge Road near Hadlow on Thursday, October 25, when he lost control and spun off the road at around 8pm.

The vehicle, travelling towards Tonbridge, ploughed through shrubbery and hit a tree causing the young man fatal injuries. He died at the scene.

Two women, also in their 20s and who were passengers in the car, were also injured but fortunately survived the horrific crash.

Following a police investigation, forensic officer David Kirk concluded that Mr Smith had likely felt like he lost control turning right around a bend and oversteered to compensate causing him to swerve.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed that the tyre pressure was low and one wheel had been replaced by a spare which was not meant to be used at speeds over 50mph.

Marks at the scene and accounts from the two survivors suggest he tried to use the handbrake in an attempt to stabilise the car but this had probably caused it to spin.

He was also travelling over the limit suggested for the spare wheel.

A toxicology report found that the levels of alcohol and a chemical produced by the body after taking cocaine were above the legal driving limits.

Coroner Roger Hatch said: "It seems to me that it was a combination of drink and drugs and the condition of the vehicle which brought about the loss of control by him driving at the speed he was."

Following his death, his family released a statement in tribute to their lost loved one saying: "Tom enjoyed watching football, fishing and being with his friends.

"He will always be missed and loved by all his family and friends."