The family of a teenager killed in a road crash on Sunday evening have paid tribute to him.

James Simmons, of Hillside Gardens, was one of two people killed in a head-on car crash in Gosfield Road, Braintree.

His parents Michael and Gillian Simmons said: “James, 18, was a dearly loved son, brother, uncle and friend to everyone that knew him.

“He was a musician, full-time student and a shop assistant.

“The family have not made any arrangements at this stage regarding James’s funeral.

“All the family members and friends will greatly miss James very much. The family request to be left alone and allowed to grieve at this very difficult time.”

Police have made a further appeal for information about the crash and want to find some vital witnesses.

The crash between a blue Ford Fiesta and a blue Volkswagen Polo happened around 5pm.

The Fiesta driver, David Bradley, 30, of Beckers Green Road, Braintree, was also killed.

Mr Simmons was a rear seat passenger in the Polo, the driver of which, a man in his 20s, remains in a critical condition in Addenbrookes Hospital.

Inspector Scott Egerton of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Essex Police said: “At the time of the collision the Fiesta was on the wrong side of the road.

“We are investigating why this is and are aware of a number of driving incidents prior to the collision which involved the Fiesta between the Galleys Corner area and High Garrett.

“Specifically we are looking to trace the occupants of two vehicles which may have witnessed the driving behaviour of the Fiesta.

“The first is a silver or green Ford Mondeo which was on an 09 plate. It was being driven by a man who appeared to be aged in his 50s. This vehicle was in the High Garrett area.

“The second is a Vauxhall Meriva which was occupied by a couple and seen on the Bocking roundabout of the A131.

“The occupants of these vehicles could hold information vital to our enquiry and I urge them to contact my team as soon as possible.”

Post-mortem examinations on the men’s bodies will take place on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.