An ever-growing number of loving floral tributes have been laid at the scene of a tragic road traffic accident in Hitchin.

As Hitchin Nub News sadly reported this weekend, a man now known to be 19-year-old Ollie Gatfield died on Saturday evening after a white Volkswagen Polo that was travelling towards Stevenage left the road and collided with a tree.

The incident occurred on the A602 Park Way, near the junction with Charlton Road shortly before 840pm.

A shocked community has paid tribute to the tragic teenager, and his friend, now known to be Liam Sharpe, who was badly injured in the incident, by placing an ever-growing number of flowers, cards and heartfelt messages at the scene in the victims' honour.

One such loving note read: "Rest easy...you deserve the world."

The youngsters - both staunch Stevenage fans - supported the club week in week out from the East Terrace at Broadhall Way, and were returning from the club's League One away match at Shrewsbury at the weekend.

A Stevenage shirt and an ensign flag bearing the name of the club were also laid at the site.

A shocked community comes together to pay tribute to the late Ollie Gatfield by leaving a large number of flowers and messages at the scene of the accident on the A602 in Hitchin. Ollie and his friend were on their way back from watching Stevenage's League One match at Shrewsbury on Saturday. CREDIT: Hitchin Nub News

Herts Police regretfully told Hitchin Nub News on Sunday morning: "A man sadly passed away at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, while a second man has been taken to hospital."

If anyone has any information about the accident Herts Police are requesting that any eye-witnesses call the non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 670 of 13 January, 2024.

Sergeant Nicholas Kane, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit added: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this extremely difficult time.

"We are currently working to establish the circumstances around what happened and are appealing to the public for their assistance.

"Did you see a white VW Polo being driven in the area around the time? Did you capture anything of note on a dash cam? If you have any information at all, please get in touch. Thank you."

As a tribute to Ollie's life, the club are asking both Stevenage and visiting supporters to join in with a minute's applause before the club's next game, at home to Barnsley on Saturday (January 20).