POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the car crash in which young teenager Melanie Martin died.

Officers are asking for the public's help after the tragedy which killed the popular schoolgirl.

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

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

Melanie, 14, of Bank Street, High Wycombe, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Monday following the accident.

Another red Vauxhall Astra had been travelling in front of the car when it crashed. Police say they are still trying to locate one of the men who had been travelling in this other car.

DS Chappell said: "We are still looking for a 22-year-old man in connection with the incident.

"Video footage of the scene was taken and people were hanging around after the accident and may have seen something vital."

Melanie's family have been left devastated and her mother, Linda Sheller, said: "She was a fun-loving and happy girl. She was loved by everyone and was a very special person.

"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, a pupil at Hatters Lane School, had been looking forward to a family holiday in Blackpool in July and the birth of her sister's baby in August.

Julia Wassell, chairman of governors at Hatters Lane, said: "She was 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."

Gordon McKay, 19, of Cherry Street, High Wycombe, who police say was travelling in the other red Astra, was charged with two counts of aggravated vehicle taking, two counts of driving while disqualified and two counts of driving with no insurance.

He is due to appear before Wycombe Magistrates Court next week.

Another 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old female were also arrested following the accident but have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

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