Six quizzed over fatal collision

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Six men have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving

Police are questioning six people who were arrested after a man was fatally injured when two stolen cars collided and crashed into flats.

David Gaylor, 25, died in hospital after the crash in Bedford, in the early hours of Sunday.

Tributes to Mr Gaylor, of Moulton Avenue, Bedford, have been laid at the scene in London Road.

Those arrested, three of whom were injured, are held on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent.

The crash, at about 0400 BST, shook the building, according to one neighbour.

We have all been left devastated by what has happened David Gaylor's mother

Sylvia Ruffhead, 78, who lives in a flat close to the scene, said: "I thought it was somebody shooting a gun. I heard a 'whoosh' and a banging.

"As I went to get out of bed and put my foot down on the carpet I felt the whole building vibrating from where it had hit.

"There was a lad immediately under the front window - he was so distressed he was calling and shouting.

"There was another lad lying on the pavement, he wasn't making a sound."

Structure unsafe

In a statement released through Bedfordshire Police, Mr Gaylor's mother described her son as a happy, outgoing young man who worked hard during the week so he could enjoy socialising and playing football with his friends at the weekend.

She said: "David had a loud and outgoing personality and got on with everyone he met.

"He was a very likeable young man who put his family and friends first.

"We have all been left devastated by what has happened."

Forensic scientists examined one of the vehicles at the scene

A neighbour who did not want to be named described him as a "decent young man".

Tributes to Mr Gaylor at the scene read: "Can't believe you have gone. Love you so much, you will always be with us."

Structural engineers said the flats, owned by Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, had been left structurally unsound by the crash, leaving all residents needing to be rehoused.

A hole was left in a bedroom wall and two flats and a stairwell were severely damaged. No residents were injured.

A police spokeswoman said: "The collision caused extensive damage to the flats.

"One resident, who was in bed at the time, had a hole knocked into his bedroom wall."

'Two suspects, who suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries, are being treated at Bedford Hospital. A third had treatment for minor injuries.

The other three are being held at Greyfriars police station.