A family have described a young woman who died in a crash in Epping as someone with a "striving passion towards making the world a fairer and safer place to be".

Jess Waterman was killed when a red Mini she was travelling in on Houblons Hill crashed at around 10.30pm on Saturday February 19.

Jess, who lived in Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, died the following day in hospital, three days before her 21st birthday.

Today, her family released a tribute, via Essex Police, to a "beautiful daughter and treasured older sister".

They added: "Jess was beautiful inside and out. Her desire to help and support those around her was the crux of who she was.

"For someone so young, she had amazingly strong morals and values with a striving passion towards making the world a fairer and safer place to be.

"Jess loved to laugh and see the funny side in everything. She had such an infectious personality which seemed to touch so many and she really did light up the room as she walked in.

"She leaves a gaping hole, not only in our lives, but in the lives of so many others. We love you Jess, you will remain forever in our hearts."

Epping Forest Guardian: Jess Waterman. Credit: Essex PoliceJess Waterman. Credit: Essex Police (Image: Family handout / Essex Police)

Essex Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the fatal single-vehicle collision.

A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to report, driving whilst unfit, possession of cannabis and perverting the course of justice remains on police bail.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the Mini prior to the collision or who has dash cam footage.

Police can be contacted via email at CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk, online at https://www.essex.police.uk or on 101 quoting incident 1397 of February 19.

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/