A mother and a man have died in a horrific crash on the M25 involving a stolen van that was being chased by the police.
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The incident happened at around 4AM on Sunday, when officers were in pursuit of a white Citroen van that had been reported stolen. The van collided with three other vehicles on the motorway, causing fatal injuries to two of the occupants.
The victims have been identified as Sarah Jones, a 36-year-old mother of two from Basildon, and Mark Smith, a 42-year-old father of one from Romford. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Tributes have been paid to the deceased by their families and friends, who described them as "loving, caring and generous" people who will be greatly missed.
A man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and theft of a motor vehicle. He is currently in custody and being questioned by the police.
Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to contact Essex police on 999, quoting incident number 123 of 10 February 2024.
