A family has paid tribute to a ‘witty and beautiful’ teenager killed in a crash in Oxfordshire.

Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs, 18, died after her white Volkswagen Polo crashed with a Mercedes on Saturday evening.

The emergency services were alerted to the scene on Bloxham Road at about 9.20pm, where they found Ms Heaton-Biggs seriously hurt.

The teen was taken to John Raddcliffe Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Her heartbroken family paid tribute to her days after the crash, describing her as a practical joker who could lift everyone’s mood.

The family said: ‘On Sunday the 4th of October the world got suddenly dimmer as one of the brightest and most unique lights left us too soon.

‘Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs was a funny, kind, stubborn, witty and beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside. Loved by Family and Friends alike, a much loved Daughter, Sister, Grandaughter, Niece and cousin.

‘She leaves behind a Mum that will miss her smile and her laughter, and her uncanny ability to lift anyone up who needed it.

‘She leaves behind a Dad that will miss her practical jokes, and cheeky temperament that could lighten everyone’s day up.

‘She leaves behind a brother that will miss his little sister, the pink version of himself, the one person that was always pushed him to do more.

‘She leaves behind a sister-in-law that will miss spontaneous messages, pictures, singalongs and shopping trips.

‘She leaves behind a group of friends who describe her as “their spark” and the glue that held the social group together.

‘The tragic loss of Esme leaves a profoundly large hole in the hearts of so many for so many different reasons, and she has been tragically taken from all of us far too soon,

‘Esme has barely just begun her adult life, going on holidays and nights out with her friends, and making plans with everyone who ever wanted to make plans, so she could live the fullest and most fulfilling life possible.’

The family thanked residents of Easington and Banbury, the emergency services and medics at the hospital.

‘Knowing that Esme was taken care of to such a high degree by so many brings a great level of comfort in this incredibly difficult time,’ they added.

Locals paid tribute to the teenager on social media, with many saying they or their loved ones use the same route.

One mum said: ‘Having a daughter the same age who drives this route regularly, I cannot imagine the loss being felt this family.’

Another one wrote: ‘This is so awful! I’m struggling to find any words but want the family to know that the whole of Banbury has their arm around them in this moment!’

Brian Mclaren, 36, from Banbury, was charged yesterday with motoring offences over the crash, including causing death by dangerous driving, driving while over the alcohol limit and driving while disqualified.

He appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he was remanded before his next scheduled hearing at Oxford Crown Court on November 6.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were also arrested and have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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