An 18-year-old male died and a 16-year-old male was critically injured following a moped crash in Sheerness, Kent, on Saturday evening. The incident occurred shortly after the two teenagers were approached by police officers who were patrolling on foot.

According to authorities, the teenagers were walking when they encountered the police. As the officers moved toward them, the teenagers left the scene, subsequently getting involved in a collision while riding the moped. Emergency responders attended the scene, but the 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the location. The 16-year-old was transported to a hospital in London, where he remains in critical condition.

Kent Police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an investigation. The referral indicates that the police are seeking an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the subsequent crash.

No further details have been released regarding the cause of the collision or the nature of the police contact prior to the incident. The IOPC investigation will aim to establish a full account of the events leading to the crash.

Authorities have not disclosed the names of the teenagers involved or whether any other vehicles were part of the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.