Two teenage boys killed as car hits tree in Leeds
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Version 0 of 1. Police have asked for restraint on social media after a car crash left two teenage boys dead and two others in a critical condition in hospital. Tributes have been paid to George Wharton, 14, and Rhys Baker, 13, who died on Saturday night when the blue Peugeot they were in crashed on the A62 Gelderd Road in Morley, Leeds. Kameron Walters, 14, and Joshua Van Veen, 15, remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital. The driver of the car – a 21-year-old man – was also undergoing treatment for serious injuries, West Yorkshire Police said. George was a pupil at Morley Academy and Rhys was studying at Bruntcliffe School. Both schools paid tribute to the teenagers as scores of their friends visited the scene of the tragedy to lay flowers and console each other. As the tributes mounted, West Yorkshire police issued a warning, asking people commenting on social media about the fatal crash to “show restraint”. Officers said they had been made aware of derogatory comments about the 21-year-old man involved. Superintendent Sam Millar said: “A comprehensive police investigation is under way that will establish the full circumstances around the incident and ensure that any offences arising from it are appropriately dealt with. We would ask that people refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to take its course. “We understand that people will be very upset about what has happened but we would also ask them to consider all of the families involved in this incident before they post comments which could add to the trauma they are going through.” The crash happened about 1.50pm on Saturday. Police said the Peugeot was believed to have overtaken another vehicle “at speed” before colliding with a tree. Dave Gurney, executive headteacher of Bruntcliffe school, said: “Our condolences go to the families of both the boys who lost their lives in this tragic accident. “Rhys was a well-liked member of his year group and will be sadly missed by all staff and students at Bruntcliffe. “Our thoughts are also with the other students who both remain in a critical condition in hospital. ” Leanne Griffiths, principal of Morley academy said: “Our sincere condolences go to the families of both the boys who tragically lost their lives in this terrible accident. George Wharton was a popular boy with a bright future ahead of him … Another of our students remains in a critical condition in hospital and we continue to pray for his recovery.” |