THE deaths of two teenagers in a car crash have been described as a “sad loss of young lives” by a mayor.

The boys, aged 17 and 18, were passengers in the back of a Fiat 500 when it crashed into a tree in Chichester near Goodwood racecourse.

They were confirmed dead at the scene and their next of kin have been informed.

Two girls who were in the front of the car survived the crash in Kennel Hill, Chichester, in the early hours of Thursday.

The 17-year-olds were both taken to hospital for treatment.  

Mayor of Chichester Councillor John Hughes paid tribute to the two teenagers that died.

“As this accident has happened outside of the city limits earlier this morning all I can do is send my condolences to family members in this sad loss of young lives,” he said.

The Argus: The boys, aged 17 and 18, were passengers in the back of a Fiat 500 when it crashed into a tree in Chichester The boys, aged 17 and 18, were passengers in the back of a Fiat 500 when it crashed into a tree in Chichester

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “We are saddened to hear of any collisions on our roads, particularly when there has been loss of life.

“We offer our thoughts and sympathies to the families and friends of those involved.

“We will be carrying out our own investigation into the collision and co-operating with the police investigation but during this time we will be unable to comment further.”

The car is believed to have come off the road and crashed into a tree.

Argus reader Natalie Reeve left a heartfelt tribute in memory of the two boys.

“As a mother who lost her daughter two years ago the same age, my heart goes out to all the parents," she said.

“You are today in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss and unimaginable pain.”

Pamela Cooper said: “So very sad that these young men have lost their lives. So very young.

“I want to wish the two girls a speedy recovery. My thoughts go out to their family and friends.”

Another reader said: “Every parent's worst nightmare when newly qualified young drivers are out with their friends late at night. A tragic loss.”

A Chichester District Council spokeswoman also shared condolences on behalf of the council.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about this dreadful incident,” she said.

“Our thoughts go out to those involved and their families.”

Sussex Police said: “Emergency services were called to a single-vehicle collision in Kennel Hill, Chichester, shortly after 1am on Thursday.

“The road remains closed at this time and investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Anybody with information which could help with the investigation is asked to contact collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Widecombe.