YOUNG people gathered at the scene of a crash to pay tribute to two friends killed when their car hit a tree.

The two young men have not been formally identified by police but tributes at the scene were made in the names of James McCabe, 21, and Adam Davis, 19.

Teenagers from across Bicester laid flowers and other tributes, including an Everton football shirt and candles, at the side of the road.

The men were killed when their red Peugeot left the B4030 Middleton Stoney Road in Bicester on Monday night.

Yesterday, youngsters gathered at the scene, saying Mr McCabe and Mr Davis, who were both from Bicester, were very keen on cars and had known each other for years.

One friend said: "They were just two of the best boys you could ever know.

"They used to always be around the garages with their cars fixing them up.

"They were friends with so many people, they were so easy going."

Another friend added the pair worked together at a warehouse in Bicester and said: "They were two of the most loved boys you could ever find.

"They were so popular and always there for you."

Mr McCabe, who was known to friends as Slug, is believed to be a former Cooper School pupil. Friends said Mr Davis had attended Bicester Community College.

Police set up a cordon at the scene, close to the junction with Howes Lane, to allow friends to pay tribute to the young men.

As well as dozens of bunches of flowers, friends left the Everton football shirt and car-related memorabilia.

Thames Valley Police sergeant Mark Ponting said: "We can't really comment on what we think may or may not have happened. All we can do is collect statements and get the evidence and present them to the coroner."

Insp Steve Bridges added: "We are looking into all possible circumstances which caused this collision. That would include the physical evidence at the scene to establish why the car left the road and the speed involved."

He said youngsters would have nothing to fear if they contacted police with information.

Three fire engines, two from Bicester and the rescue tender from Kidlington, were also called to the crash.

Oxfordshire ambulance service sent two crews and two officers. A spokesman said the pair were declared dead at the scene.

Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Call 08458 505505.