THE FAMILY of a teenager killed in an horrific car crash in Essex paid tribute to her today.

James Hore

THE FAMILY of a teenager killed in an horrific car crash in Essex paid tribute to her today.

Charlotte Blackburn, 17, died after a silver car mounted a pavement in Main Road, Harwich in the early hours of Monday morning.

The popular teenager, who lived locally, died at the scene and another teenager suffered minor injuries after being struck by the car.

Two men, both 20, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and have been released on police bail until later this year.

Charlotte's family paid tribute today, saying the teenager was “very outgoing” and enjoyed socialising and partying with her friends.

Her dad, Neil, said “She was always the life and soul - she was a very strong personality”.

Charlotte was born in Colchester and spent her early years living in Bathside, Harwich.

She then moved with her family to Little Oakley where she attended Lt. Oakley Primary School and then Great Oakley Primary School.

Charlotte then went on to secondary education at The Harwich School before studying at Colchester Institute.