TRIBUTES have been paid to a Maldon man who was killed in a rush-hour crash.

The man in his 20s, named locally as James Quartermaine, died at the scene alongside a man in his 60s from Colchester.

A teenage girl from Maldon was airlifted to the major trauma centre at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Police and paramedics rushed to Southend Road, Howe Green, at about 6pm on Tuesday night.

A Volkswagen Tiguan, Seat Leon and a Volkswagen Scirocco were involved.

The Tiguan driver, from Colchester, and the Leon driver, from Maldon, were killed.

A passenger in the Leon, an 18-year-old girl, received emergency treatment at the scene for chest and pelvic injuries.

The driver of the Scirocco was not injured.

The ambulance service sent two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer and the air ambulance while Essex Police closed the road in both directions.

In a tribute posted on Twitter Maldon Cricket Club said: “Devastating news that ex Maldon colt James Quartermaine was tragically killed in a car accident last night. Our thoughts are with his family.”

James worked and trained at the Old Ironworks Gym in Maldon.

On Facebook The Old Ironworks Gym said: “A very sad day James Quartermaine has been killed in a car accident today.

“James who had worked and trained at Old Ironworks Gym will be missed by so many.

"Rest In Peace James. Our thoughts are with the family sorry for your loss of your son.”

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the crash or the vehicles beforehand as they try and work out what happened to cause the tragic collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit on 101 or e-mail collisionappeal@essex.pnn.uk