The parents of a teenager who was killed after a head-on crash in Gosfield have paid tribute to him.

The crash, involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a blue Volkswagen Polo, in Braintree Road, happened on Sunday.

It claimed the lives of James Simmons, 18, of Hillside Gardens, Braintree, a passenger in the Polo, and David Bradley, 30, of Beckers Green Road, Braintree, who was driving the Fiesta. 

James's parents Michael and Gillian Simmons said: "James was a dearly loved son, brother, uncle and friend to everyone that knew him.

"He was a musician, full time student and a shop assistant.

"The family have not made any arrangements at this stage regarding James’s funeral.

"All the family members and friends will greatly miss James very much.

"The family request to be left alone and allowed to grieve at this very difficult time.”

Police are keen to trace witnesses to assist with the investigation after the Fiesta was seen travelling on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash.

Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "At the time of the collision the Fiesta was on the wrong side of the road.

"We are investigating why this is and are aware of a number of driving incidents prior to the collision which involved the Fiesta between the Galleys Corner area and High Garrett.

"Specifically we are looking to trace the occupants of two vehicles which may have witnessed the driving behaviour of the Fiesta.

"The first is a silver or green Ford Mondeo which was on an 09 plate. It was being driven by a man who appeared to be aged in his 50s. This vehicle was in the High Garrett area.

"The second is a Vauxhall Meriva which was occupied by a couple and seen on the Bocking roundabout of the A131.

"The occupants of these vehicles could hold information vital to our enquiry and I urge them to contact my team as soon as possible.”

Post-mortem examinations on the men’s bodies will take place on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team on 101 or emailcollisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Please click here for previous stories of the crash and a video of the scene.