A DEVASTATED family has paid tribute to a “beautiful, fun loving” teenager who was killed in a road crash. Lauren Evans was in the back of a green Subaru Impreza when it was in collision with a red Volkswagen Passat in Colchester.

A DEVASTATED family has paid tribute to a “beautiful, fun loving” teenager who was killed in a road crash.

Lauren Evans was in the back of a green Subaru Impreza when it was in collision with a red Volkswagen Passat in Colchester.

The 17-year-old was rushed to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance but despite desperate efforts to save her she died shortly afterwards.

The trainee hairdresser, who lived in the town, was in the car with three other youngsters when it crashed next to the cemetery in Mersea Road, Colchester, at about 10.50pm on Thursday.

The 20-year-old driver of the Impreza was also taken to hospital along with a 17-year-old girl and 18-year-old man who had been in the car.

The driver of the Passat - a 70-year-old local man - and his wife were also taken to hospital before being released.

Last night Lauren's parents, Jeanette and Anthony, of Beaconsfield Avenue, said she would be greatly missed.

“Lauren was a beautiful, much-loved daughter and member of a big, loving family with many cousins.

“Lauren was a trainee hairdresser and she hoped to finish her training next summer and hoped to then go to Italy with a friend and work there throughout the summer.”

“She was well-liked, fun-loving, high-spirited girl who enjoyed life,” they said.

The former pupil of St George's Primary School and St Helena School also had a 16-year-old brother, Alexander.

The tribute came as police said there were more drivers who saw the accident who have not yet contacted them.

Inspector Steve Brewer of the Stanway road policing unit said: “I would like to trace and speak to any witnesses that have seen the crash or been driving along Mersea Road at about that time.

“I know there are some car drivers that have not spoken to us and I would ask that they contact us by phoning 01206 762512.”

The Mersea Road was closed for about four hours as officers tried to establish what had happened.

n A 20-year-old man from the Colchester area has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was being questioned by police yesterday.