A man who died in a “devastating” crash has been named as Hassan Sheikh.

The 21-year-old, of Ilford, was driving towards London on the A13 when his Toyota Yaris collided with a central reservation and crossed into oncoming traffic near Ferry Lane, Rainham.

Police arrived at the scene just before 2pm but despite ambulance crews’ best efforts to save him, Hassan died at 2.42pm.

An eye witness, who was driving just behind Hassan’s car and went to help him and the passenger, said other cars narrowly avoided colliding with them.

He added: “I stopped to see what I could do but there was nothing to be done.

“The paramedics and air ambulance crew worked on him for a long time.”

Siobhan Mc, who was also driving behind, described seeing two people lying on either side of the central reservation.

She added: “It looked absolutely devastating.

“The fire engine came past me and the crews looked very distressed.”

Hassan was believed to be a business information systems student in his final year at Middlesex University in north London.

The passenger was taken to an east London hospital and treated for a broken leg and pelvis.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Detectives are making an urgent appeal for a significant witness to come forward.

The Asian man aged 40-60 was driving a light coloured car between the Yaris and a lorry close to the time of the collision.

He pulled on to the hard shoulder where he remained for 20 minutes and spoke with the lorry driver.

Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact officers on 020 8597 4874