On the day she died, much-loved mum Zoe Hawes was on her way to a holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday. 

Tragically, as she drove along the M25 with her husband, her car was hit by a van heading in the wrong direction. 

The van, a Citroen Dispatch, was driven by Barancan Nurcin, 22, who was being chased by police.

In the subsequent collision Zoe died - leaving a family heartbroken.

Nurcin's passenger, Fahad Dek, 23, from Enfield, also died in the crash.

Loving family tribute to Zoe

In a tribute, her heartbroken relatives said she was 'the heart of our blended family'.

They said in a moving statement: "Zoe was a very much loved mum, step mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna. She was a friend to many.

"She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband. Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn't get to celebrate.

"We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way. 

"We wouldn't have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled."

Nurcin has since pleaded guilty to their deaths following fatal M25 collision

Nurcin, of High Road in Tottenham, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, Marc 26 to plead guilty to the following offences:

·      Causing death by dangerous driving x2

·      Causing serious injury by dangerous driving x4

·      Causing death whilst unlicensed x2

·      Causing death whilst uninsured x2

The collision occurred on Sunday, February 4 between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans).

Nurcin was driving a white Citroen Dispatch van which collided with a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.

Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, said: "Our thoughts remain with the victims' families.

"They have been through an unimaginable ordeal and we continue to provide them with any support they require.

"Nurcin caused the loss of two lives on that day but he has broken many more lives by his actions.

"He can expect to spend a significant length of time behind bars."

Nurcin will be sentenced on Friday, May 31.

As Nub News has been reporting, the circumstances leading up to the collision are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct as officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the collision.

The criminal investigation has been led by Essex Police.