TRIBUTES have been paid to a paramedic killed on duty in a crash between an ambulance and a cement lorry.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (Secamb) was called to the scene of a road traffic collision yesterday.

Three members of staff were travelling in the ambulance at the time of the collision but were not carrying a patient.

Secamb executive director of operations Emma Williams said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and our heart-felt sympathies go to her family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

"Our thoughts are also with the other injured staff members as well as all of those who responded to the incident.

“We are supporting the police in their enquiries and would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.”

While Jo Shiner, Sussex Police Chief Constable, has offered her condolences to the Trust on behalf of Sussex Police.

She said: "All of us in Sussex Police are thinking of you at this very sad and difficult time."

The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway of the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent at 8.20pm.

A spokesman for Secamb said: "Multiple crews attended the scene, including the air ambulance service alongside police and fire service colleagues.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, a female paramedic sadly died at the scene.

"A male paramedic, who sustained serious multiple injuries, was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London and a student paramedic, who was travelling in the rear of the vehicle, was taken to hospital with a head injury.

"The lorry driver suffered minor injuries."

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