Tribute to dad and son killed in car crash

Peter Webb and his son Ben, from South Shields, died at the scene of the crash

Tributes have been paid to a father and son who died in a car crash.

Peter Webb, 40, and his 12-year-old son Ben, were killed in a one-vehicle crash on John Reid Road in South Shields on Saturday evening.

In a statement released through Northumbria Police, their family said their world had been "completely torn apart".

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

The crash happened near the New Mill Inn shortly before 21:00 BST, police said.

A white Skoda Octavia was reported to have come off the road for reasons officers have yet to establish.

Mr Webb and his son, who were from South Shields and in the car, died from their injuries at the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate how the car came off the road

In a statement, their family said "we have no words to describe how devastating this has been".

"We will however continue to stick together as one while we navigate a situation we never believed we would be in.

"Peter was a kind wonderful human who would do anything for his family.

"Ben was the most incredible ray of sunshine with an unbelievable sense of humour.

"They are together forever. Please look after our boy, until we meet again."

South Shields Football Club, where Ben was a foundation junior player, said it will observe a minute's silence ahead of its game later.

The club posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates."

Sgt Russell Surrey said the force's sympathies were with the family.

"We cannot begin to understand their loss but are committed to do everything we can to provide any answers to their loved ones at this awful time," he said.

The force is continuing to appeal for information and dashcam footage as part of the investigation.