A SECOND teenager has died following a horrific car crash that took place after a police pursuit in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Liam Phillips, 17, was a passenger in a car along with Reigan Knight, also 17, who died at the scene at about 12.50am in Southsea Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea, at the junction with Glendale Gardens.

Liam was taken to Southend Hospital in a critical condition but lost his fight for life this morning.

The pair had been travelling in a maroon Ford Escort that failed to stop for police. The car crashed into a BMW and then a wall.

The driver of the BMW was not injured.

Two other teenagers from the Ford were treated for minor injuries and arrested at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy, from Great Wakering, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

He was charged this morning with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without a driving licence and causing death by driving without insurance.

He was due to appear at Chelmsford Youth Court this morning.

A 17-year-old boy from Shoebury was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs. He has been released on bail until January 14.

Friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to the two close friends.

Jake Houghton said: "Today, I and many others lost two very important people in our lives, Reigan Knight and Liam Phillips.

"I wish I could have said goodbye to them both, you were both such nice, respectful guys and did not deserve to be taken from us, it just goes to show how this could happen to anyone at any place or time, so cherish the moments we have left and don't take this life we have for granted cause you never know when your time will be up, to their families and friends all my love goes out to you all, I love you boys both, rest in peace and sleep well."

Harry Page said: "Liam Phillips may you rest in peace, used to be so, so close and I just remember and know how loving and what a kind-hearted boy you are. Sleep tight mate you'll be so missed."

Lantana Hall said: "RIP to Reigan Knight who was a lovely kind-hearted boy and Liam Phillips who had a big heart and was always there for anyone who needed him.

"Sad that they were taken so soon and my thoughts are with their families."

The incident has been referred by Essex Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because the Ford was being followed by a marked car at the time.

Investigators have yet to determine the exact circumstances of the interaction between the police car and the Ford and whether it meets the precise criteria of a pursuit.