Crash boy's family seek answers

Two other teenagers were hurt in the crash

The family of a 16-year-old boy killed during a police pursuit have said they need to know why he died.

Ricardo Mightly, of Alfreton Road, Nottingham was one of three teenagers in a car being followed through the city on Saturday when it hit a tree .

His aunt, Jacqueline Stevenson, said the family needed to know whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

An investigation into the death is being carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

We have got to be strong for her (Ricardo's mother) but we want the truth Jacqueline Stevenson

His mother, Debra Stevenson, has been too upset to comment.

Jacqueline Stevenson, of Bridlington Road, Nottingham, said: "The family is absolutely distraught and angry. I think it was unnecessary.

"I am not defending the fact that they were driving a car and they shouldn't have been driving.

"I am not defending that, but at the same time most children will drive fast to get away from the police through fear.

"We need closure. We need to know whether this could have been avoided. Until that none of us will be able to rest."

Hospital treatment

The 47-year-old added: "My sister, Ricky's mum, is breaking her heart. We have got to be strong for her but we want the truth.

"We don't blame the driver. He was a 15-year-old lad and he shouldn't have done what he did, but we don't blame him.

"If this stops youngsters taking cars - if it saves one of them from losing their life it will be a blessing."

Ricky was the front seat passenger in a red Vauxhall Nova being driven by a 15-year-old, who has not been named, and another 16-year-old was in the back.

The Nova was followed along Berridge Road and Alfreton Road, to the junction of Western Boulevard and Nuthall Road where it hit a tree.

The other teenagers are being treated at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.