HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to two “nice and respectful” teenage friends who have now died after the car they were travelling in crashed during a police pursuit.

Liam Phillips, 17, from Southend, was the second youngster to die after a Ford Escort crashed into a BMW and then into a wall at about 12.50am on Tuesday, in Southsea Avenue, Leigh, at the junction with Glendale Gardens.

Engineering apprentice Reigan Knight, also 17, died at the scene after paramedics tried, but failed, to save his life.

Liam was rushed to Southend Hospital with a serious head injury. Doctors fought to save him, but he died yesterday  morning.

Two other teenagers, aged 16 and 17, received minor injuries and were both arrested.

Friends and family 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 because 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.”

Shannon O’Reilly posted a photo of the pair hanging out in a back garden and said their deaths did not “seem real”.

She said: “You will be missed by a lot of people, always in our hearts, never forgotten!

“RIP boys can’t believe you’re gone, it’s crazy how we used to be so close and chill with each other all the time and now you’re not around no more!

“You’re both so brave and I hope the angels are looking after you up there.”

Lantana Hall said Reigan was a “lovely kind-hearted boy” while Liam had a “big heart”.

She said: “Sad that they were taken so soon and my thoughts are with their families.”

Ben Atkinson also posted a photo of the pair and images of a candle-lit tribute left at the scene of the tragic crash.

He said: “RIP Reigan Knight and Liam, will be missed dearly and will never forget you brothers. “Won’t ever stop thinking about you and will look up praying for you both.”

Echo:

Friends have organised a “send-off” event at a beach in Leigh to take place at 7pm tonight, featuring fireworks, lanterns and balloons.

Liam’s aunt, Linda Beer, used the Facebook group to thank his friends for their kind words and thoughts.

She said: “I am Liam’s aunty Linda, but Liam always knew me as Aunty Didda! On behalf of Cindy, Liam’s mum, Neal, Liam’s dad and the rest of our family we would like to say what a lovely gesture for what you have arranged for both boys.

“I was present when Liam was born and with him and his mum Cindy when he passed.

“Liam did this with such courage, grace and dignity, for which we are so very proud of him.

“Our thoughts also go out to Reigan’s family and friends again for this very, very sad tragedy that no parent and family should go through.

“Some of us may come by tomorrow night (Thursday) to this send off for both Liam and Reigan. Once again thank you.”

Tiago Cardoso also used the page to remember both teens as “funny boys”.

He said: “Reggy - all the times we used have a meet up outside of school to have a fag and a joke about just our little group .

“Liam- the times when we always used to meet at the bus stop to go work.

“Still remember me just coming back from holiday and just about to go to sleep and Liam just comes in telling me I can’t sleep and telling me to get up.

“I’ve got love for you two and it’s a shame you guys have left us.

“You both will be remembered forever for the good reasons. Hope you both are in a better place now. RIP bros.”

Echo:

16-year-old charged with causing the deaths by dangerous driving

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy appeared in court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the tragedy which claimed the lives of two 17-year-old friends on Tuesday.

The teenager, from Great Wakering, was originally arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of cannabis 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 appeared briefly at Chelmsford Youth Court.

He will now appear at Basildon Youth Court on Tuesday, January 10.

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

Tragic Reigan Knight died at the crash scene in Leigh on Tuesday, while Liam Phillips later died at Southend Hospital.

The pair had been travelling in a maroon Ford Escort. The car crashed into a BMW and then into a wall. The driver of the BMW was not injured.

The two other teenagers in the Ford were treated for minor injuries and then arrested at the scene.

The incident has been referred by Essex Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because the car was being followed by a marked vehicle when it crashed.

A spokesman said the exact nature of the interaction between the police car and the Ford would be examined to see if the incident should be classified as a pursuit.

Investigators spent the day speaking to residents and trying to find any CCTV footage of the crash.