Boy, 16, charged with dangerous driving after two teenagers die in Essex car crash

A 16-year-old has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after two teenagers died in a car crash in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

A maroon Ford Escort was being pursued by police when it collided with a silver BMW at about just before 1am yesterday (27 December) at Southsea Avenue.

A 17-year-old boy died at the scene. A second 17 year-old boy was taken to hospital, but died from his injuries this morning. Both were passengers in the Ford Escort.

Two other teenage boys were arrested. They both suffered minor injuries.

A 16-year-old boy was today charged 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 is due to appear at Chelmsford Youth Court.

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

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation.