The family of a North Walsham teenager who died in a crash near to the town on Sunday have paid tribute to their 'beautiful, precious boy'.

Eastern Daily Press: The scene of the RTC in Westwick where flowers were left after a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREThe scene of the RTC in Westwick where flowers were left after a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Nineteen-year-old Preston Fulcher died following a car crash on the Norwich Road at Westwick by Captain's Pond shortly before 3am on Sunday.

In a tribute from his parents, Anita and Stuart, sister Ellie and brothers Danny and Ben, Mr Fulcher was described as a 'kind, fun-loving and thoughtful young gentleman'.

Eastern Daily Press: The scene of the RTC in Westwick where flowers were left after a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREThe scene of the RTC in Westwick where flowers were left after a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

The former North Walsham High School pupil went on to study carpentry at college.

The family statement said: 'We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Preston; there are no words to describe how we feel at the moment. We've lost the most precious, beautiful boy who was fun loving, caring, kind and thoughtful, well-known locally and loved.

Eastern Daily Press: Tributes were left at the scene of the crash in Westwick. Picture: MARK BULLIMORETributes were left at the scene of the crash in Westwick. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

'Preston was such a comedian, he would always have everyone laughing and there was never a dull moment when he was around. Always dressed smartly and keen to help others, he loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends, especially helping out his best friend Connor and nanny Jill.

'Preston was a lover of animals and in particular his beloved Rottweiler Tiger and his rabbit Foxy.

Eastern Daily Press: The road leading into Westwick between North Walsham and Coltishall where a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREThe road leading into Westwick between North Walsham and Coltishall where a serious collision occurred at 3am on Sunday morning. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

'He had an old soul for his age and loved nothing more than going out on random walks with his sister, even if it meant getting lost and ending up in a tea room.

'We will try to stay strong, which of course is going to be a struggle, but his memory will live on and he will be greatly missed by all.

'Fly high our baby boy, one day we will meet again. May your happy soul be rested and act as a guide to our loved ones, God bless our darling Preston, love always and forever from mum, dad, Danny, Ellie, Ben and all our family and friends xxxx.'

Mr Fulcher's family thanked well wishers and especially people who have donated money through social media.

He sustained fatal injuries following the collision and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he later died.

The crash has prompted an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which is examining the circumstances of the crash, including the police actions before it.