Tributes paid as two teenagers killed in Thirsk crash

Floral tribute left at the scene of the crash which killed two teenagers Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Flowers have been laid at the scene of a crash which left two teenagers dead and seven others injured, including two children.

North Yorkshire Police said a black Ford Focus, and a green Volkswagen Bora were involved in the collision on Wednesday evening.

Police enquiries are ongoing into the fatal collision on the outskirts of Thirsk, which happened at around 9.25pm on Wednesday 7 March 2018, on the A61 between Busby Stoop and Carlton Miniott.

Two 17-year-old boys, rear seat passengers in the VW Bora, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another two passengers in the same vehicle, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, are in a critical condition at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and Leeds General infirmary respectively.

The driver of the VW Bora, a 22-year-old man, is receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

All the occupants of the VW Bora are believed to be from the Thirsk area.

The driver of the Ford Focus, a 27-year-old man from outside the area, was discharged from James Cook University Hospital following treatment.

A passenger in the car, a 24-year-old woman, is receiving treatment at the hospital. A three-year-old girl and a six-month-old boy have also been kept in hospital for observations as a precaution.

One floral tribute at the scene read: " RIP BOYS, love you both lads. Forever in my thoughts, brothers for life."

North Yorkshire Police say they are not yet in a position to confirm the identity of the two boys who died in the collision.

The force is requesting that their families’ privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.

In total, there were seven land ambulances, an air ambulance and coastguard rescue helicopter in attendance at the incident, along with police and fire crews.

The scene remained closed to traffic until 4.45am on Thursday while the police investigated the circumstances of the collision and to allow the vehicles to be safely recovered.

Officers are continuing to appeal for people to come forward to assist the investigation, including witnesses to the actual collision, anyone who recalls seeing any of the vehicles involved prior to the incident, and anyone who may have dash-cam footage that could help with enquiries.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.