An inquest into the death of a teenager killed in a crash has been opened.

Erikas Eicas, 19, died after a red Ford Fiesta he was sat in ploughed into a tree along Coggeshall Road, between Coggeshall and Earls Colne.

A man in his teens, who was also in the car, suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was rushed to hospital.

Police were called to the scene and closed the road for several hours to allow detectives to carry out an investigation.

An inquest into Mr Eicas's death was opened at Essex Coroner's Court on Tuesday.

Speaking at the hearing, coroner's officer Marianne Robson said: "This gentleman was a front passenger in a vehicle travelling from Coggeshall in the general direction of Earls Colne.

"The vehicle had left the road at the nearside and collided with a tree.

"This gentleman was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Essex Police are investigating the death and there may be a possible prosecution."

Ms Robson went on to reveal that a post-mortem found Mr Eicas, who was from Halstead, died as a result of suffering severe chest injuries.

His body has now been released to his family.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray adjourned the hearing but did not fix a date for a full inquest because of the ongoing police investigation.

Detectives are are continuing to investigate the crash, which happened around 1.40am on August 2.

Chief Supt Glen Pavelin has urged motorists to be careful when driving following the death of Mr Eicas, and of another teenager who was killed on the A120 on Coggeshall on August 1.

He said: "The investigations in to the circumstances of the collisions remain ongoing so it would be wrong for me to suggest the causes, however I would like to appeal to anyone driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle to do so thinking about their own safety and the safety of all other road users.

“We have officers out on the county’s roads, both to keep people safe and prevent and detect crime.

“Please do not drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

"Please do not drive in excess of the speed limits – they are in place for a reason.

Anyone with information about the crash should call 101 quoting incident 164 of August 2.