CANDLES have been lit and tributes left this morning at the site where two teenage friends were killed when the car they were travelling in smashed into a wall.

It comes ahead of prayers this morning for 19-year-olds Abbey Rogers and Lily Godwin.

An investigation is underway into what caused the crash that claimed their lives just days before Christmas.

Prayers will be held at the St Michael and All Angels church in Lyndhurst.

Reverend Dr James Bruce said there would be a normal service at 11am with prayers for Lily and Abbey.

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He said: “We’re praying for the two girls that died. We’re offering our prayers in our normal service for anybody that would like to come and light a candle if they would like to do that.”

He added that for many the death of the two girls had been a huge blow to the community.

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He said: “It’s early days yet, the identities have just been released a couple of hours ago. A lot of young people who are contemporaries will no doubt be coming to terms with the news.”

 

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Police say the car, a Mazda RX8, was being driven by a 21-year-old man when it crashed into the wall in Gosport Lane, in Lyndhurst at about midnight yesterday.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Eastleigh police station are today appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone with information to come forward.

The driver and another 19-year-old girl who were in the car were taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Police said their injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

Mourners have been arriving at the scene of the crash to lay flowers and messages.

Mourners have left candles and more flowers at the scene of the crash this morning.

Many messages described the pair as "amazing angels".

One friend, Lilly, said: "To Lily and Abbey, my two best friends, my two beautiful angels, forever in my heart, Lilly."

Another unsigned message said: "Abbey, gone but never forgot, another star in the sky, RIP xxxx."

A line of candles were left at the scene overnight.

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Many have being paying tributes to Lily who worked in the bar and as a waitress at the Stag Hotel in Lyndhurst and as a nanny and Abbey who worked at a hairdressers.

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Police were alerted to the crash after a member of the public heard the accident and called emergency services.

Daily Echo: Witnesses have told the Daily Echo they heard a sound like thunder and ran out to find the horrific scene.

The two teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Immediate next-of-kin have been informed.

An appeal for witnesses is being issued as part of ongoing enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information are asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary's Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Eastleigh police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Marn.