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

Josh Corey Hopkins, 17, of Thornaby, and Joshua Thomas Stevenson, 17, from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, known by 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 died at the scene.

Two other teenagers from Thornaby, one from Ingleby Barwick and one from Stockton, who are all male – suffered only minor injuries, or were not injured.

They were taken to hospital in Middlesbrough, but were later released.

Josh Hopkins’ mother, Fiona Traill, 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.”

Joshua Stevenson’s family issued a statement saying: “Josh, known as Ste, was a popular, polite, friendly lads’ lad. A good-asgold 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.”

Floral tributes have been placed at the site of the crash and, on Sunday night, a large number of friends gathered at the spot to pay tribute to the popular teenagers.

As a result of the accident, the eastbound carriageway was closed for eight hours while police launched an investigation, and the vehicle was moved at about 1pm.

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.