A HORROR smash between a taxi and a car full of teenagers has claimed a second life.

Stephen Roberts, 18, was behind the wheel of the Peugeot 306 wrecked in a head-on collision with 41-year-old Brian Crummey's Citroen cab on the Daresbury Expressway last week.

The teenager from Halewood died in intensive care on Monday, said police investigating the accident.

Mr Crummey, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was described by grieving workmates as 'the nicest person in the world'.

"He was a really good friend, a great workmate and we all miss him badly," said Grosvenor Taxis boss, Bill Armstrong.

Floral tributes to both men mark the spot where Mr Crummey's black Citroen Xsara Picasso and the silver Peugeot 306 containing Mr Roberts and three teenage friends collided.

Police are keen to speak to the occupants of a dark-coloured vehicle driving in front of the Warrington-bound taxi moments before the crash.

"This vehicle wasn't involved in the collision but witnesses in the vicinity say it was close by," said Sgt Yvonne Williams, investigating.

"It could be they didn't see anything in their rear view mirror because of the bend but we'd like to hear from them anyway."

Mr Crummey, from Beechwood, is understood to have been married and had a stepdaughter.

His passenger, a 48-year-old man from Warrington remains in a serious but stable condition in intensive care.

An 18-year-old female, a 15-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, all from Halewood who were in the Runcorn-bound 306, remain 'poorly but stable' in hospital.

None have been well enough to be interviewed by police investigating the cause of the crash.

Anyone with any information about the collision which happened at 9.33pm on Monday, June 26, on the A558 east of Pitts Heath Lane, should contact Runcorn police's traffic special investigation unit on 01244-613 928.