Two teenagers killed in car crash

The family of a talented student who was one of two 18-year-olds killed when their car overturned and ran into trees have paid tribute to him.

Katy Linighan and Richard Clemot-Escobar, both from Hartlepool, died at the scene of the crash on the A19, near Hartlepool, on Monday night.

Two female friends, also aged 18, were seriously injured.

Richard's mother Elizabeth-Ann said he was "a gift from god that has been cruelly taken away".

Mrs Clemot-Escobar is a French teacher at English Martyr's School, where Richard was a sixth form pupil. He had achieved nine A*s in his GCSEs and was very musical.

'Need time'

His mother said: "Richard was the perfect son - our pride and joy. He was developing into a fine young man who was popular with family and friends and who had a great future ahead of him.

"It's impossible to take this in at the moment and we as a family need time to come to terms with what has happened."

Richard also leaves his father Adolfo, 17-year-old sister Elizabeth and 24-year-old brother Jon.

One of the injured girls is being treated at the James Cook University Hospital where her condition is described as critical but stable. The other was taken to Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the actual collision or the movement of the car prior to the collision to come forward."