TRIBUTES have been paid to the two teenagers who died in a horrific car accident over the weekend.

Josh Corey Hopkins, 17, of Thornaby and Joshua Thomas Stevenson, also 17, from Ingleby Barwick and known as Josh or as his nickname Ste, died when a grey Toyota Corolla Verso overturned at 5.45am on Sunday.

The pair were among seven people travelling in the car when it was involved in the accident on the A66 near Thornaby on Teesside.

Officers from Cleveland Police were called to the Brewery Bank area of the dual carriageway and found the car overturned.

The two teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Fiona Traill, mother of Joshua Hopkins, said: “He is my life and I don't know what I'm going to do without him. He always made me laugh and was always there to give me a kiss and a cuddle. I love him so much.”

And Joshua Stevenson’s family issued a statement saying: “Josh known as “Ste” was a popular, polite, friendly lads’ lad. A good as gold son and a great big brother. He was a clever, practical person who loved a joke and will leave a huge hole in our family.”

A 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is urged to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.