A MAN who died when the car he was driving crashed into trees in Epping Forest will be remembered as “the best of the best”, a relative said.

Patrick O’Driscoll, 30, was driving a blue Subaru Legacy from the Wake Arms roundabout towards Loughton the early hours of Monday morning when he lost control and went off the road hitting several trees off Goldings Hill.

A passenger – a man aged in his 20s from Braintree – suffered multiple injuries and was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital, in Leytonstone.

Mr O’Driscoll, of Manor Court, in Enfield, was certified dead at the scene.

Friends and relatives have been to the scene to lay floral tributes.

One from Mr O’Driscoll’s brother reads: “I’ll never forget you, you’re the best of the best, loads of love and regret.”

Another tributes carries the message: “In loving memory of our son - 'Goodbye my Paddy Never Forgotten DAD.”

A section of the road was closed for five hours as police investigated the crash and removed the vehicle. Fire crews from Epping, Loughton and Harlow were also called to the scene.

Any witnesses to the incident, which happened shortly before 1.30am on Monday, should ring the Chigwell road policing unit on 01279 621804.