Brandon Morris death: Family release photo of teenager as man appears in court charged with death by dangerous driving

Lee Harvey also faced a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving during the brief hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

• Shock and grief at death of teenager, 16, following crash

Harvey, 29 - who spoke only to confirm his name and date-of-birth - was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court in a month.

Three others, who were also arrested in connection with the incident in Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, have been released without charge.

Brandon’s family say that he was a "much loved son and brother" and have released a photo of him in tribute.

A GoFundMe page set up in memory of Brandon Morris

Six people, including the 16-year-old, named locally as Brandon Morris, were taken to hospital following the two-car crash near Albert Park.

Despite efforts to save the youngster, he was later pronounced dead at the town's James Cook University Hospital.

Another male passenger suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital.

Police confirmed the male driver of the Nissan, the only person in the vehicle, and another three people in the Focus were taken to hospital but have since been released.

Brandon was the passenger inside a silver Ford Focus which police say crashed into a Nissan Qashqai at a crossroads near the park.

Cleveland Police said the chase happened after officers in a marked car turned on the sirens and pursued the Focus but they say it did not stop.

A spokesman said: “A short pursuit ensued, during which the Ford Focus was subsequently in collision with a Nissan Qashqai which was being driven near the junction of Park Road North and Park Vale Road in Middlesbrough.

“A 16-year-old boy in the Focus suffered serious injuries during the collision.

“Sadly he was later pronounced deceased at James Cook University Hospital.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine added: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the boy and we have offered specialist support through family liaison officers.

“We are also providing support to our officers and have referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which is mandatory in these circumstances.”

IPCC Commissioner Tom Milsom confirmed an investigation was under way.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the young man who has sadly died, and all those affected by this incident.

“IPCC investigators are at the scene and are beginning to gather evidence as part of their independent investigation looking into the circumstances of the incident.”

Mr Harvey, of Lismore Gardens, Thornaby, Stockton, is also accused of driving without a licence or insurance. He did not enter any pleas.

Brandon's mother, Channy Beech, and twin brother, Keitan, paid tribute to the teenager on social media following the tragedy.

His mother said she had lost her “best friend”, and in a Facebook post, she wrote: "I will love you for ever – sleep tight my boy."

She added: “How as a mother am I supposed to carry on with life when in a split second my beautiful son has been taken away from me.

“No mother on this earth should ever have to suffer this pain - I miss you Bran and my heart aches for you.

Keitan also wrote: “You weren’t only my best mate, you were my twin brother – I love you so much Bran and I really can’t believe it.

“We did everything together and now to know that you’re gone has crippled me.

“I can have plenty of brothers but I will never have a twin brother like you.”

Witnesses described hearing the skids of a car and a loud "bang".

One resident said: “My husband was just coming in when he heard a car skid across the road.

“We didn’t know what had happened at first – it is so sad that a young boy died – it is so tragic.”

Another resident described the “horrible” feeling of realising what had happened.

“We sit in the back room of our house and we just heard a really loud bang.

“When we got to the window, we just saw blue lights.

“Time stands still – you immediately fear the worst, but hope deep down it is nothing serious.”

• Anyone who witnessed the collision or a Ford Focus driving in the Park Road North area is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting event 043723.