A 15-year-old girl died in a car crash after the 4x4 vehicle she was a passenger in careered off a quiet country road in Halstead.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old girl who was believed to be driving the car in connection with the incident on Saturday night.

Emergency services arrived in the Twinstead Road, Pebmarsh, near Halstead, after the blue Mercedes ML 4x4 they were travelling in came off the near side of the road and collided into trees at 9.45pm.

A teenager from Chelmsford suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.

Sgt Bob Beckwith, of Bocking traffic police, said investigations were ongoing over the circumstances of the incident.

Sgt Beckwith said: "This is a tragic incident for all the families involved and our thoughts are very much with them."

The driver escaped with cuts to her legs. She is currently on police bail and is due to reappear at Braintree police station on July 23.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Bocking road traffic police on 01376 330722.

Published Monday, June 30, 2003

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