Scott Jones, 18, of Ferndown Road, Overslade, died from severe head injuries after the car hit a pillar of the viaduct in Butler's Leap, at around 1.30am on Saturday.

Police were following the car at the time in connection with a robbery.
Half an hour before the fatal crash, a red Toyota Carina had been taken from a pizza delivery man in Lindale, Brownsover.

A 16-year-old boy, who was a passenger in the car, is in a stable condition in hospital having suffered leg and pelvic injuries.

Scott's mother Lorraine told the Advertiser: "When I last saw Scott he was his normal happy, lively self.

"It may be a small consolation but at least he was happy for a while on the night he died.

"His friends nicknamed him the joker and the legend. I still expect him to walk in the door, he'll never be forgotten."

Scott, a Coventry City season ticket holder, was a pupil at Boughton Leigh Junior and Avon Valley School and had ambitions to work in the IT industry. He had two sisters and a brother and lived with his mother.

Scott's father Nigel, 45, who lives in London, added: "The last few days have been very difficult for us.

"Scott was the best son you could ask for. I'm renowned for having a sense of humour but he was on a higher level.

"He would tell jokes or make witty comments that completely stunned me. I'll miss his brilliant sense of humour so much."

Warwickshire Police said the car was not being chased by officers but confirmed that the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Police believe the car Scott was in overtook another vehicle in Boughton Road before the crash and officers would like to trace the driver who may be a valuable witness.

Chief Inspector Chris Lewis said: "We do not have any details of the vehicle but I am assuming that the driver would have been aware of being overtaken by the red Toyota and may have important information which would help us determine what happened in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"I would appeal to that driver to come forward with whatever information they have, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, so that we can piece together the events which led to the fatal collision.

"For reasons not known to us at the moment the driver of the Toyota lost control at Butler's Leap and the vehicle collided with the viaduct causing serious injuries to the driver and passenger. Our condolences go to the driver's family."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Warwickshire Police on (01926) 415000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.