THE heartbroken family of a teenager who died in a collision have paid tribute to him.

Philip Plews, from Darlington, was killed in the one-vehicle crash in Carmel Road South on Saturday.

The 17-year-old was a passenger in a white transit van, which was involved in the incident at about 7.30pm.

Read more:Tributes to teen, 17, after crash on A67 in Darlington

In a tribute released today, his family said: “If our love could have saved you my boy, you would have lived forever. We love you all the world.”

The Northern Echo:

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been questioned and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Roadside tributes to the teenager appeared at the scene over the weekend.

One message said: “Rest in Peace. Fly high big lad, taken way too soon. My thoughts go out to all your family.”

Another said: “Took from this world far 2 soon. May be gone but never forgotten.”

Northern Echo readers have also paid tribute to the teenager, as “good lad” with a “heart of gold”.

Officers are appealing for further information.

The Northern Echo:

Anyone with any dashcam footage of a white Transit van being driven along the A66 from the Darlington Arena in the direction of Carmel Road South shortly before 7.30pm is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 352 of February 5.

Workers from Virgin Media have been on the scene since to repair damage caused by the collision, which left some households without internet. 

The Northern Echo:

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