A teenage girl has died after being involved in a motorcycle crash with family and friends paying tribute to a “happy and bubbly young lady”.

The 17-year-old girl was fatally injured in a crash involving a motorbike she was riding on as a pillion passenger.

Mum Amanda Buchanan Hills posted a poignant photograph of her daughter India on social media.

The Argus: India, 17, suffered life-threatening injuries after a motorbike crash on FridayIndia, 17, suffered life-threatening injuries after a motorbike crash on Friday (Image: Facebook)

Her husband Lee Hills was among those paying tribute following her death yesterday.

Writing on Facebook, he said: “Absolutely heartbroken, today we had to say goodbye to our little bubba, taken far too soon.

“She was involved in a serious accident on Friday night as a passenger on a motorbike.

“Will forever be in my heart. Love you bubba. RIP my beautiful angel.”

India died following a crash on Friday night in Crockhurst Hill in Salvington, near Worthing.

A 25-year-old man, who was driving the motorbike, suffered serious injuries.

Sam Byrne, India’s aunt, took to Facebook to pay tribute. She said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts to say our India, my niece, grew her wings today.

“We as a family need to process this, she had just turned 17 years old.

“My sister and her children need all our strength. We are all broken.”

She added: "Life just doesn't seem real right now. Why? How?

"Ride high through those clouds to nanna and your daddy our beautiful girl.

"There are simply no words to express this pain. We love you India, always and forever."

The Argus: Floral tributes have been left at the location of the crashFloral tributes have been left at the location of the crash (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A motorbike helmet and several bunches of flowers have been left at the scene of the crash in Crockhurst Hill.

Poignant notes were also attached to a lamppost.

One said: “India. Rest in peace, such a happy bubbly young lady. Love you.”

Another read: “Rest in paradise beautiful. Shocked I’m never going to get to talk to you. I’ve missed you so much. Now you’ve joined the angels we won’t get to again. I love and miss you.”

India was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition.

On Saturday, Sussex Police said her next of kin were being supported by specially trained officers.

The force has been approached for comment.