The 20-year-old driver of a car that was involved in a double fatal accident over the weekend did not have a licence, police have revealed.

Driver Kyle Careford, 20, and passenger Michael Owen, 21, died when the red Renault Clio they were in ploughed into a wall in Crowborough in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating the circumstances and this [that Kyle had no licence] forms part of the investigation."

Emergency services rushed to the scene at Rotherfield Road just before 1am, but the pair were believed to be dead before firefighters were able to cut them out of the car.

Tributes have been pouring in for the pair throughout the week.

Michael's mum Kim Weston said:"All I'm doing is thinking about all the lovely things that Michael and I and all the family did together.

Every time I think about him all I can see is that cheeky grin, that dimple, and it just brings a smile to my face that I've got that memory to keep hold of"- Michael's Mum, Kim Weston

"All the funny things he used to do. All the annoying things as well, that made you laugh. All the nice things we did. That's the only way I can get by.

"His cheeky grin, he was such a cheeky young man with his dimple. Every time I think about him all I can see is that cheeky grin, that dimple, and it just brings a smile to my face that I've got that memory to keep hold of."

Many of Michael's friends have posted their memories of him on Facebook.

Ms Weston said: "We've had so many tributes on Facebook. He was such a good-natured boy. Everyone loved his good heart and he'd give his last penny to any of his mates. He was just a good friend to so many people."

The tragedy came just two days after Michael, of Southwood Avenue, landed a new job as a windscreen fitter and two weeks before the fifth birthday of his daughter, Lily-Rose.

Ms Weston said: "In a way she understands she's not going to see daddy, but she doesn't really understand she's never going to see him again.

"She must wonder what's going on, bless her. Everyone is spoiling her and giving her things and giving her loads of cuddles. It's lovely but it's not going to replace what she's going to miss from her dad."

Lily-Rose's mother, Lauren Molley, has paid tribute to her first love and the "most caring, thoughtful man ever".

The former Hugh Christie School pupil said: "Michael was always there for me and Lily whether it was talking to me when I'm upset or me ringing him up when Lily wouldn't sleep as she always listened to him!

"I couldn't think of a better dad for our little girl, he was so perfect in every way possible. He was texting me all the time asking how Lily's day at school went or to tell me he loved me.

"We were each other's first love. We had so many good times together and a lot of memories at school and watching our daughter grow into the most beautiful little girl.

"The most precious memory was when I went into labour with Lily, he couldn't have been any better! We were so young and everything he did was perfect. He stuck by my side throughout everything.

"Although we were not in a relationship recently, it's what he always wanted so we were very close and attended every parents evening, nativity plays together and her first day at school.

"It will now be the most heartbreaking moment going to a parents evening knowing he won't be coming.

"We miss him so much and it is so unfair that this has happened, he was everything to us and it is devastating.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure Lily remembers everything about him. There will never be a day I don't think about him, he will be in our hearts forever."

Michael's brother Gavin said: "We laughed, we talked seriously and we loved spending time with our beautiful daughters together.

"Lily was Michael's life and I feel he lives on in her, she is a bright beam of sunshine in our darkest hours.

"I am devastated beyond words, it is so wonderful to see all the tributes to Michael, he was truly loved but for our entire family he leaves the most massive hole."

Stephen Owen and Michael's step-mum Sylvia added: "We are so proud to have him and he touched so many hearts, he will be truly missed. "

Kyle, a former Hugh Christie School pupil, would have turned 21 on Wednesday.

A ceremony was held last night to celebrate his birthday. Cards and balloons were left for him at the scene.

On Monday night, dozens of friends and family gathered at the scene of the crash to lay flowers and release lanterns in their memories.

"Lily was Michael's life and i feel he lives on in her, she is a bright beam of sunshine in our darkest hours" - Michael's brother Gavin

Kyle's sister, Louise, left a tribute at the crash scene. In a card she wrote: "I can't explain how I am feeling. When you left us this morning to be in God's arms you took a piece of me away.

"I'm not quite sure how to tell your niece Grace that her uncle Kyle is now in heaven. I'm sure she will treasure her Frozen onesie even more now."

Detectives now want to speak to a driver who may have witnessed the car two young friends were in before it crashed into a church wall.

A light coloured estate car, believed to be a taxi, was seen to turn right from Burdett Road next to the Sainsbury's Local and drive along Crowborough Hill at around 12.30am - just 10 minutes before the accident.

PC Shirley Ross, from the Road Policing Investigations team, said: "The driver of this taxi may have witnessed the red Renault Clio being driven and we are keen to speak to them to see if they can help our investigation and piece together what happened.

"The car had writing on its side panels and a taxi sign on the roof towards the rear tailgate.

"If you are the driver please get in touch with us on collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or 101 quoting Operation Lapwing."

An inquest into the deaths is not expected to take place until later in the year, but police are continuing to investigate the accident.

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