A TEENAGE driver was killed when his car veered off the road, crashed into a building and burst into flames. Family and friends of 17-year-old Lewis West have been paying tribute to the popular boy , leaving flowers at the roadside and messages on intern

A TEENAGE driver was killed when his car veered off the road, crashed into a building and burst into flames.

Family and friends of 17-year-old Lewis West have been paying tribute to the 'popular boy', leaving flowers at the roadside and messages on internet networking sites.

Police said Lewis, of Hopbine Court, Ramsey, died after an accident just after 10pm on Thursday. His black Vauxhall Corsa left the B1040 at Ramsey and crashed into a derelict building.

Firefighters from Ramsey managed to release the teenager from the vehicle shortly after 10.15pm, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened on St Mary's Road, close to Field Road. The B1040 had to be partially closed as some of the derelict building had collapsed close to the road.

An eyewitness, who arrived on scene after the accident, told The Hunts Post: "When I got there the car was on fire. People were running around it trying to get the driver out and asking for a fire extinguisher.

"I called the police but by the time they got there the fire was already inside the car."

Described as a 'very special and much-loved son, loving brother and adored grandson', Lewis is believed to have worked as a travel agent and lived with his girlfriend in nearby Bury.

Wayne Birks, headteacher at Abbey College, paid tribute to his former pupil.

"It was with great sadness that on Friday we learnt of the tragic death of Lewis West, a former Abbey College Year 11 student.

"Lewis was a very popular boy and his death has touched all those he knew in and out of school. We have been in close touch with his parents in recent days and our thoughts and prayers are with them, their family and close friends at this difficult time."

His friends have set up tribute pages to Lewis on social networking sites on the internet. On the Bebo website, Lewis is described as a 'kind, friendly and generous' boy who will be 'loved by all, missed by many'. Tributes added: 'It is a very big loss to Ramsey and he made everyone smile. He was just a nice genuine guy who stood by his friends and family.'

Pc John Blood, who is investigating the accident, said appealed for witnessed to the crash to come forward.

"Any information no matter how small could prove invaluable in determining what happened," he said.

A funeral service is to take place on Friday (July 18) at St Thomas a Becket Church in Ramsey at noon. The family have requested that any donations be made to the Firefighter's Charity as a tribute to the firemen from Ramsey who 'showed such care and compassion to their beloved son.'

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Blood at the road policing unit on 0845 4564564.