Tributes to four uni students who died in crash

(Clockwise from top left) Eva Darold-Tchikaya, TJ Hibbert, Makyle Bayley and Daljang Wol "touched the lives of so many" at the University of Essex

Tributes have been paid to four students who died in a crash that has left a city's university "torn apart".

Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24 and Daljang Wol, 22, died when a car crashed into a building on Magdalen Street, Colchester, at about 04:40 GMT on Saturday.

They were all students at the University of Essex, where Pam Cox, Colchester's Labour MP, was a professor of social history and criminology.

"I know what will be going on there. They look after their students so well, they will rally round, but they will be absolutely torn apart by this," said Cox.

Witness Alan Bolster, who lives opposite, saw the scene directly after the car crashed into Dusty's second-hand shop on Magdalen Street, which is now being assessed for structural damage

She continued: "It's just devastating; absolutely awful.

"I can't imagine what it must be like; as a parent your heart absolutely goes out. Four young people in Colchester cut off in their prime.

"I wouldn't want to speculate as to causes or the nature of what happened, but once we know a bit more about it, we can look to see if any improvements can be made in that specific area."

An investigation is taking place to determine what led to the collision

Mr Hibbert's family said he was "loved by all" and left a "lasting warmth in the hearts of everyone he met".

In a statement they said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of TJ, a young man whose passion for basketball was matched only by his kindness and uplifting spirit."

Mr Bayley was an "extraordinary young man" who was in his final year of studying sports science, his family said.

"Makyle was much more than a talented athlete - he was a beloved son, a proud big brother, and a true friend to so many," they added.

"His kindness, thoughtfulness and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten."

The university said all the students had a played an active role on campus through clubs and societies and were well known.

It said Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol had been "outstanding members" of the Essex Rebels men's basketball team, while Mr Bayley was a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) basketball team.

Ms Darold-Tchikaya was a member of the Essex Blades Dance Club, as well as other societies.

The vice-chancellor, Prof Maria Fasli, said the "whole university is in mourning".

"They touched the lives of so many of us at Essex: their friends, classmates, the teams they played for, and the staff with whom they spent time," she said.

Tributes to the students have been left at the crash scene

Alan Bolster, who lives opposite scene, said he was asleep when he woke to the sound "of an almighty crash".

He said he looked out of a window, adding: "As soon as I saw the car in the side of the building, I got on to the emergency services and called for an ambulance.

"There wasn't a great deal I could do. I just waited for emergency services to turn up and at that point it was fairly clear that it was a serious accident.

"Very sad indeed."

Essex Police said the students, who died at the scene, had all been inside the car.

The force said it was not thought any other vehicles were involved.

It has appealed to anyone who saw a black Ford Focus being driven in the area to come forward.