The crash happened shortly after 1300 GMT on Sunday on the A2070 Hamstreet bypass between Brenzett and Hamstreet villages.

A van and a BMW car were in collision, causing injuries to six people.

The girl, who was a passenger in the van, later died at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Cut free from wreckage

The driver of the van, a man from St Mary's Bay, was also taken to hospital with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening.

The BMW's driver and three passengers, two of them children, were also injured.

Ashford Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a blue or grey Peugeot 406 travelling towards Ashford at the time of the accident.

Firefighters from Kent Fire Brigade were called to the scene to cut at least one person free from the wreckage of their vehicle.

The air ambulance was also called out.

The road was closed but re-opened about 1630 GMT on Sunday afternoon.