Two men, aged 27 and 53, are charged with murder after boy, four, killed in pickup truck crash

Two men have been charged with murder after a four-year-old boy was killed in a pickup truck crash.

Medics fought to save Peter Maughan’s life following the smash on New Barn Road, Dartford, on Sunday night, but he was pronounced dead in hospital. 

His 24-year-old father, Lovell, remains fighting for his life while his one-year-old sister who was injured in the crash has now been discharged. 

The young family had been travelling in a Ford Ranger when it was involved in a crash with another Ford Ranger at around 9.30pm.  

Patrick Maughan, 53 and Owen Maughan, 27, both from Hill Rise, Darenth, are due to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court later today over the child’s death.

The pair are also both charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted wounding with intent relating to the two people injured.

Grieving friends and family have flooded social media with tributes for Peter, who was affectionately known as Peter Rabbit.

One person wrote: ‘Rest in peace Peter Rabbit please everyone keep them in your prayers it’s a cruel world.’ 

Peter Maughan, 4, was killed when a Ford Ranger he was travelling in with his father Lovell (pictured) and one-year-old sister crashed with another Ford Ranger on New Barn Road, Dartford, on Sunday night

Heartfelt and emotional tributes have been paid to Peter online, who was affectionately known as Peter Rabbit 

Father, Lovell, remains critically ill in hospital, while his daughter has since been discharged with minor injuries  

While another said ‘this is the saddest thing I’ve heard’ as they said they had never seen Peter without his mother by his side.

‘Keep her and her husband in prayer and her beautiful little baby boy may you watch over her and him I can’t imagine what she’s going through,’ another tribute read.

‘Can not believe I’m writing this RIP Peter rabbit. [He] was the kindest little boy loving child,’ another friend added. 

Detectives are continuing to appeal for any information from people who may have witnessed the crash.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: ‘Two men have been charged with murder following a collision in which a child died.

‘Officers were called just before 9.30pm on Sunday to reports of a collision involving two vehicles on New Barn Road, Dartford.

‘Three people from the same vehicle were taken to hospital. A four-year-old boy died at the hospital and a 24-year-old man remains in a critical condition. A one-year-old girl received minor injuries.

‘On Monday officers arrested two men in connection with the incident. 

The crash between two pickup trucks happened on New Barn Road, Dartford (pictured) 

‘Today, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised Patrick Maughan, aged 53 years and Owen Maughan, aged 27 years, both from Hill Rise, Darenth, to be charged with the murder of a four year old boy.

‘They have also been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted wounding with intent relating to the two people injured.

‘Both are due to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court later today.

‘Detectives continue to appeal for any witnesses to the collision which involved two grey Ford Rangers.

‘Anyone with information which may assist the investigation, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact the Major Crime Unit via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using this link Public Portal

‘Alternatively call the Major Crime Appeal Line on 01622 652006 to leave contact details. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.’