The family of Kieran Ansell, who died following a road traffic collision in Tollesbury on Sunday, have released a tribute to him.

Mr Ansell, 25, of Elysian Gardens, Tollesbury, died after the Audi A3 he was in left the road and collided with a tree in Woodrolfe Road at about 12.45am.

The tribute reads as follows: “Kieran was raised in and around the Maldon area.

“He attended Plume School at Maldon. Having left school at 16 he had various jobs in the building industry as a roofer. He had keen interests in football (he used to play for Heybridge Youth) and was a follower of Arsenal.

“He was a fisherman (both coarse and sea). He also was a regular at the gym.

“He leaves his mother, and father, together with his step father, three brothers, three sisters, and three step-brothers. The family ask that their privacy now be respected.”

His mother added: “His heart was in the right place.

“He’d always see the best in everyone, and was prepared to help anyone.

“He lived life to the full.”

An 18-year-old man from Colchester who was also in the vehicle was taken to Broomfield Hospital for treatment to leg injuries.

An inquest into Mr Ansell’s death will be opened in due course.

Police are still appealing for witnesses following the crash. Anyone with information about events leading to the crash should contact the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk