Tributes to Will Ure, 17, from Lyme Regis who was killed in crash on A3052

Police were called to Ware Cross on the A3052 near the Dorset-Devon border to a single vehicle collision involving a Honda Civic – which officers said happened on a damp, unlit country road in the early hours of Saturday (17). A dark coloured Honda Civic with two occupants left the road and collided with a tree.

The 17-year-old victim, from Lyme Regis, was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been named locally as Will Ure. Will was travelling as the front seat passenger in the vehicle.

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman, said: “The driver, a 28-year-old man from Colyton was airlifted by police helicopter to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

“A specialist forensic investigation was carried out at the scene, which resulted in the A3052 being closed for approximately nine hours. Collision investigators said that it was a particularly complex scene, which accounted for the unusually long road closure.”

Friends and family members have paid tribute to Will, who left Woodroffe School last year.

Michael Greenhough, Will’s head of year at Woodroffe School, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this horrific news.

“All my thoughts are for Will’s family.”

He added: “Will left the school in 2015 with an aspiration to pursue carpentry and boat building. Will had a close group of friends with whom he was highly regarded.

“His passing will have a big impact on those that knew him.”

Will’s friends posted tributes to him on Facebook.

One said: “Rest in peace Will - still can’t believe you are gone, it feels so unreal.

“I will raise a glass to you tonight my brother, like you would want me to do. Love you forever and always.”

Another said: “You are going to be truly missed mate.

“You were a lovely lad, shame that you had to be taken away from us. You will be missed. Thoughts go to your family mate.”

Tributes were also left to Will in messages at the site of the crash by his former colleagues at the Royal Standard pub.

The message read: “So sad to hear that you have been taken from us. You will be truly missed by us all.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen the car shortly before the incident to contact them by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting log 30 of December 17, 2016.