Two men charged with murder after boy, four, killed in pick-up truck crash in Dartford

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

Peter Maughan was killed in the crash on New Barn Road, Dartford, which has also left his dad, 24, fighting for his life.

His one-year-old baby sister was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police were called to the scene around 9.30pm on June 1, and all three victims, who were from the same vehicle, were taken to hospital.

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, have been charged with murder.

Tributes have poured in for Peter, who was known as Peter Rabbit, saying his death was ‘the saddest thing they heard’.

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

Another appealed for prayers to the boy’s mum, saying: ‘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.’

Kent Police said: ‘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 hospital in a critical condition. A one year old girl received minor injuries.

‘On Monday 2 June 2025, officers arrested two men in connection with the incident, a 27 year old from Darenth and a 53 year old from Swanley.

‘They remain in custody while enquiries continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

‘Detectives would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision involving two grey Ford Rangers.’

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