THE family of a 17-year-old boy who died in a car crash in Bridgwater on Thursday have said they are 'heartbroken'.

Cane Parr was believed to be a front seat passenger in a silver Peugeot which collided with a tree on Spaxton Road at around 5.10pm on Thursday, May 30.

Cane was treated for a serious head injury at Southmead Hospital in hospital but died on Friday.

Specially trained officers are providing his family with support.

Prior to the collision, the Peugeot was pursued by an unmarked police car after it failed to stop.

Due to police involvement, the incident was referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A 15-year-old boy arrested in connection with the collision remains under investigation.

In a statement, Cane’s family said: "Heartbroken seems such a small word but that's how we as a family are feeling,

“On Friday, 31 May, we lost our beloved son, Cane.

“Please respect our privacy at this very difficult time. Thank you."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the silver Peugeot 307 registration WN51 NRE in the Bridgwater area on Thursday, or who has dashcam footage of it, to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5219120263."

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed an investigation was underway into the incident.

"Initial information suggests a car, which failed to stop for police, collided with a tree in Spaxton Road shortly after 5pm.

"After being notified by Avon and Somerset Police, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures. Our enquiries are continuing.

"The 17-year-old passenger of the car sustained life-threatening injuries, and both he and the driver, whose injuries were less serious, were taken to hospital.

"Sadly, Cane Parr, the 17 year-old passenger has since died in hospital.”