Opening inquests were held today into the deaths of two teenagers who were killed in a car crash.

Richard Clemot-Escobar and Katy Linighan, both 18, were due to collect their A-level results yesterday, but instead their lives were cut short when the Vauxhall Astra they were travelling in overturned on the A19 dual carriageway near Hartlepool on Tuesday morning.

It is believed the car, which had been heading north when it left the road, turned over and hit trees.

Mr Clemot-Escobar, from Stockton Road, Hartlepool, died at the scene. He was a student at the town's English Martyrs School, where he was in the sixth form.

Evidence of identification was given to the inquest, held at Hartlepool Coroner's Court, by his father Adolfo Clemot-Escobar.

Miss Linighan, from St Andrew's Grove, Hartlepool, was also a student. Evidence of identification was given by her father Mark Linighan at the inquest.

Coroner Malcolm Donnelly adjourned both inquests until a later date to allow further investigations to be carried out.

Two other teenagers were in the car, a young man and a woman, both also 18. They have been treated in hospital for serious injuries.