THE heartbroken family of schoolgirl Melanie Martin who died following a car accident have said they do not know what they will do without her.

The 14-year-old, described as a very special person, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Monday after she was seriously injured in the crash on Sunday night.

The accident happened in Coates Lane, High Wycombe, opposite the De La Rue company building at around 11.40pm when the red Vauxhall Astra she was travelling in collided with a tree.

Officers said three other youngsters who were in the car suffered minor injuries.

Melanie, of Bank Street, High Wycombe, who is a pupil at Hatters Lane School, High Wycombe, was a passenger in the car.

Police spokesman Kate Spark said another Vauxhall Astra was travelling in front of the car at the time of the accident.

Melanie's family have been devastated by her death.

Her mother, Linda Sheller, said: "She was a fun loving and happy girl in good health. She was loved by everyone and was a very special person."

She added: "She was very caring towards us all. I don't know what I will do without her."

The teenager, who leaves three sisters and one brother, lived with her mother and her younger brother and sister.

Linda added that Melanie had been looking forward to a family holiday in Blackpool in July and the birth of her sister's baby in August.

She said that Melanie loved listening to music, was a keen swimmer, had lots of friends and had recently got a qualification in childminding.

Julia Wassell, chairman of governors at Hatters Lane School, told the Star: "We are all deeply saddened by the tragic accident which has taken the life of a young person.

"She was very highly thought of by the school and we are desperately sad about the news. We are thinking of her parents and her family at this time."

Detective Sergeant Aaron Chappell, who is dealing with the case, said officers were still looking for a 22-year-old man in connection with the crash.

He appealed for witnesses to come forward and added: "There were a lot of people who were hanging around after the accident who may have vital information."

Three people were arrested following the incident. Two have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

If you have any information about the tragedy, call Detective Sergeant Chappell on 01494 465888.