THE driver of a car involved in a horrific road crash which killed his friend, is still in a critical condition in hospital.

Mitchell Welham, of Rotary Way, Colchester, has been at the Royal London Hospital since the smash in the early hours of Saturday, November 21.

The 20-year-old’s black Ford Fiesta car was heading along the Avenue of Remembrance, in Colchester, near its junction with Sheepen Road when it left the road and hit a tree.

Police said yesterday Mr Welham’s condition remained “critical but stable”.

It is understood his dad Mark, mum Jane and brother Rhys are constantly at his bedside.

His friend, 18-year-old Michael Hammond, of Spring Chase, Wivenhoe, was declared dead at the scene of the crash.

Tributes have been pouring in for the teenager, with flowers and messages being laid beside the road at the site of the crash.

Friends of Mr Welham and his family, have told the Gazette he is a “fighter” and a strong person who will not give up.

The crash is still being investigated by officers from Stanway road policing unit.

They continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet come forward to contact them on 0300 3334444.