FLORAL tributes have been placed at the side of the road in memory of a teenager who died in a car accident last week.
Tributes from family and friends of Blaine Darnell have been placed at the side of the A177 over the weekend.
The 19-year-old was killed in a crash that took place on the road last Wednesday involving four vehicles: a grey Peugeot 3008, white Vauxhall Corsa, a white Mini Cooper and a silver VW Touran.
Mr Darnell worked for Simply Stripes, a signage company in Spennymoor.
Owner Andrew Hancock spoke of the ‘massive hole left in their hearts’ after the loss of Blaine.
He said: “He was one of the most amazing men I have ever met.
“He was a true ray of sunshine.
“This business is like a family and so there is a massive hole in all of our hearts.
“We worked so closely with him so that loss has it hard, when the news came in I just couldn’t believe it.
“He used to always come in with a smile on his face, he used to say hello to everyone when he arrived.
“He was well known by everyone and so we will be thoroughly missed by all of us.”
Read more: North East council sends stark warning to fly-tippers with offending vehicles crushed
Police are appealing for information and dashcam footage that may assist their investigation into the collision. Two men, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested in connection with the incident.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident and hasn’t yet spoken to police to contact them on 101, ref 165607.
Officers request anyone with dashcam footage that shows the incident or the lead up to it, including the Peugeot, Corsa and Mini being driven on the A689 towards the A177.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here