A football club has paid tribute to a young player killed in a car crash.

Debden Park FC player Max Halcrow, 21, and a 16-year-old were both killed when a BMW M3 car crashed into a tree in Goldings Hill, Loughton, at around 2am yesterday (Saturday).

Fire crews from Loughton and Epping worked for two hours to free two casualties, two girls aged 16 and 17, who were later taken to hospital in a life threatening condition.

Debden Park FC tweeted yesterday: "We aren’t a football club and we haven’t got players.

"We are a group of brothers and last night we lost one of our own. We love you Halcrow. See you soon brother."

Other clubs and members of the footballing community joined the tributes.

Loughton Lions FC tweeted: "RIP top bloke taken way too soon."

Referee Will O'Neill said: "Much love to you boys, he was a great lad. Was meant to ref you earlier today, feel for you all and lotsa love. X"

Clubs Walthamstow Red Star, Glendale FC, Ongar Town FC, Durning FC, Southern Array FC and Bocas Youth FC all gave their condolences.

Total Football Mania tweeted: "Top lad & Top player. Devastating news, was such a nice guy and always helped me where he could. Top Top Guy.

Gutted. RIP Max."

A 21-year-old man from Loughton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses who saw what happened, or saw a silver BMW M3 driving in the Loughton and Epping areas in the early hours of this morning.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who was driving in the area who has dash cam footage, or anyone who has CCTV.

"Witnesses are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk

"Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org"