"Friends took to Facebook to pay their tributes ..."

...to a life well-lived?

Lauren Bedford said: “I can’t believe you’re gone, you were a top lad, and we had so many laughs you’re going to be madly missed by many.”

Wayne Morely said: “Devastated can’t begin to describe how I feel right now. My first apprentice taken on at work - Reigan Knight - has been tragically killed in a car crash in Essex last night, only 17 and had a bright future, he was a character and will be sorely missed by me and everyone at Monarch Communications, thoughts go out to all his family and friends. R.I.P. Reigan.”

Kyi Innis said: “Worst news to wake up to. Rest up Reigan Knight, you were one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met - always showing love no matter.”

Terrible, just terrible, life's so cruel...

Residents who lived near the scene spoke of their shock, while others said the road was dangerous.

Awful! When will the state do something about these black spots?

“The police were here all night and they were still outside this morning but they wouldn’t give us any information."

They must be trying to work out how this dreadful accident came to pass...

“It is a notorious corner for accidents and in the eight years I have lived here there have been at least four.

“They are also talking about turning it into a one way system which will cause even more trouble.”

Oh, dear. Well, if it stops one more innocent life from being claimed in a trag...

Wait.

Another teen has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

A fourth was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

A police car had been pursuing a Ford Escort involved in the crash just prior to the incident, which has been referred by Essex Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

*sighs* Never mind...