Two teenagers have died after the car they were in crashed while it was being followed by police.

The boys, both 17, were travelling in a maroon Ford Escort that collided with a silver BMW in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, just before 1am on Tuesday.

It is believed they were rear passengers. One of the pair died at the scene and the other died in hospital on Wednesday morning. Neither has been named. Two other teenage boys suffered minor injuries.

A 16-year-old from Great Wakering was charged on Wednesday with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without a licence and causing death by driving without insurance. He was due to appear at Chelmsford youth court later on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old from Shoeburyness was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and bailed until 14 January pending further inquiries.

The car was being followed by a marked Essex police vehicle before the crash, the force said. The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which has launched an investigation.

Source: The Guardian