Tributes are being paid to two young men killed in a car crash last night.

Matt Preece, 21, from Lindfield near Crawley, and Marc Martin, 22, from Haywards Heath, were sitting in the back of a BMW when it hit a tree and flipped on its roof.

The accident happened in High Beeches Lane in Handcross just after 10pm on Wednesday.

They both died later in hospital from their injuries.

Friends and family have paid tribute to the pair on social media.

Writing on Mr Preece’s Facebook page, Kate Boyd said: “Can't get my head around it ! You always made me laugh! Always made me smile. Thinking of your family right now!

Sarah Louise wrote: “I am absolutely devastated at this news that I have just heard about you and Mark may you both sleep peacefully x x”

And Jack Goodman wrote: “Rip mate had loads of great memories will never forget you buddy, you’re at peace now buddy xx.”

The driver of the car, a 20-year-old man from Lindfield, was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

A 16-year-old girl from Haywards Heath who was sitting in the front seat suffered minor injuries and was treated at hospital before being released.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash at about 10pm when the BMW was travelling east to west on High Beeches Lane heading towards Handcross village.

Anyone who saw anything is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101 quoting Operation Ashwick.