Stock crash: Teen seriously hurt remains stable in hospital

A teenager seriously injured in a crash which killed a schoolboy remains in hospital in a stable condition, police have said.

Officers were called to Stock near Billericay, Essex, at about 08:20 GMT on 3 November following reports of a car colliding with two children.

Freddie Coleman, 15, died at the scene, while a second teenage boy was taken to hospital.

In a statement, Freddie's parents said he was a "kind, happy, funny boy".

The families of both youngsters involved in the crash were receiving support from specialist officers, Essex Police said.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs in connection with the crash.

He has been released under investigation while police inquiries continue.

Freddie's parents Jason and Jo described their son as a "beautiful boy", adding: "He was loved by everybody who knew him, our kind happy funny boy."

Scores of flowers, candles and messages were left outside Mayflower High School in Billericay following Freddie's death.

More than £33,000 has been donated to an online fundraiser set up to raise money towards funeral costs.

In a separate statement, Mayflower High School head teacher Damian Lee said the community was "shocked and immensely saddened" by the incident.

"We all thought the world of him, he was a much loved and respected member of our school community," Mr Lee said.

The head teacher added the school was supporting students and staff with coming "to terms with this sad loss".

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