A DRIVER has been arrested following a road crash in which the passenger travelling in his car was killed.

Roddy Ashworth

A DRIVER has been arrested following a road crash in which the passenger travelling in his car was killed.

Ben Stevens, 23, from Grantham Road in Great Horkesley, died in the two-car collision in Tiptree on Friday evening.

The crash happened on the B1022 Colchester Road near to its junction with Haynes Green Road shortly before 10pm when a silver Vauxhall Corsa and a white Ford Escort hit each other head-on.

The driver of the Corsa, a 45-year-old woman from Fordham Heath, suffered minor injuries in the crash. She was treated at Colchester General Hospital and released yesterday.

Mr Stevens, however, was certified dead at the scene.

A statement issued by Mr Stevens' family said: “He was the beloved son and stepson of Julie and Tom Lilley, and brother to Samantha.

“Ben lived his life to the full. He was full of energy and could liven up any room with his presence.

“Ben was always caring and loving towards his family. His ingenious mix of music will always live on in our hearts.”

The Escort driver, a 29-year-old man from Tiptree, is currently in a stable condition in hospital after sustaining serious head, facial and pelvic injuries. He is on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

After closing the road for four hours, investigating officer, Pc Roger Manser, said: “We're hoping to speak with those motorists who had been using this stretch of road between 9pm and 10pm and who saw either the Escort or Corsa being driven prior to the collision.”

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact investigating officers at Stanway Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512.