Teenager Dead And Another Is Fighting For Life After Being 'Tailed By Police Car' Before Horror Road Crash

A teenager has died and another is fighting for life after a horrific road smash in the early hours of this morning.

The death is being probed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission as a marked police car was tailing one of the two vehicles involved in the crash in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, at the time.

A third teenager , from Southend, who suffered minor injuries, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Police said a fourth teenager, from nearby Shoeburyness, also suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of possessing class C drugs.

Tragedy struck around 1am in Southsea Avenue when a maroon Ford Escort collided with a silver BMW.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "A teenager has died following a road collision in Leigh in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, December 27.

"It happened at around 00.50am in Southsea Avenue at the junction with Glendale Gardens.

"A maroon Ford Escort was in collision with a silver BMW.

"The teenager sadly died at the scene. Another teenager suffered life threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital.

"Another two teenagers suffered minor injuries. They have been arrested and are currently in custody.

"One is from the Southend area who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and the other is from Shoebury who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class C drug.

"The road has been closed while investigations are carried out.

"The incident has been referred to the IPCC which has launched an independent investigation as the car was being followed by a marked Essex Police vehicle."