A Hornchurch man was injured in a car crash that killed his friend, last Saturday (April 21).

Thomas Balchen, 20, from Hyland Way, had arm injuries in the accident, just before 2am, in Western Road, Billericay.

Dale Carlier, 18, from Coran Green, in Hutton, was in a Ford Fiesta that left the road, hit a wall and then overturned.

He was taken to Basildon University Hospital, but died shortly afterwards.

Also in the car were Dale’s brother Niall, 20, who had head and arm injuries, while David Franklin, 17, suffered pelvic and facial injuries, and remains in hospital.

Dale’s parents issued a tribute to him this week saying he was “full of life”.

Mum Sharon and step-dad Adam said in a statement Dale was “a very beloved member of his close family.

“He will be very sadly missed not only by his family, including his 16-year-old sister Louise and 20-year-old brother Niall, but also by the many good friends who were an important part of his life. Dale’s life was cut tragically short, but even in such a brief life he gave much back to those who knew him and to his community.”

They added that their “thoughts are with brother Niall and the two friends Thomas and David and have a long road to recovery ahead of them.”

A Facebook tribute page ‘R.I.P Dale Carlier. Legend’ was set up this week and has almost 200 members.

Witnesses to the crash should call Essex Police Serious Collision Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.