FRIENDS of a 17-year-old man who died following a crash on the A66 have paid tribute to him saying his memory will stay with them forever.
Sam Uddin, from Middlesbrough, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened on Friday afternoon.
Friends of Mr Uddin have paid tribute to him on social media, with one saying he "felt blessed to have known him".
He said on Facebook: "Rest in peace one of my best mates over the last eight years. The memories we shared will stay with me forever. Hours and hours spent with you whether it was training in the gym on the Xbox or at school, I feel blessed to have known and to have been friends with you.
"You were like a little brother to me and you know I would've done anything for you, I know you had big plans for the future and it’s heartbreaking that you won’t get chance to do them."
Another wrote online: "I will always remember Sam for being such a lovely young man. Always so very caring, very kind and exceptionally polite.
"Condolences to the Uddin family. I am thinking of you and all of Sam’s friends. May your days ahead be filled with the wonderful memories you created together. "
On Saturday, his family described him as a “much loved son and brother, who will be sadly missed."
They added: "We wish to thank everyone for their support and ask for some privacy so that we can grieve in peace.”
Officers were called to a report of a collision involving two vehicles on the A66 eastbound, close to the Long Newton turn off, involving a white Audi A3 and a blue BMW, which Mr Uddin was a passenger in.
The 38-year-old male driver of the Audi suffered a laceration to his arm, a 42-year-old female passenger suffered a fractured spine and two other passengers, aged 2 and 5, suffered minor injuries.
The 27-year-old male driver of the BMW was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. He has now been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact PC Jayne Gatland from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on 101.
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