Moment car speeds down street seconds before crashing into shop & killing 4 uni students on way back from night out

: "What happened was a tragedy, they were only kids with their lives ahead of them.

"But the car was going some speed - much too fast - and it looked to be in the middle of the road when it came past the shop."

Mr Abed said the horror smash unfolded less than 400 metres away from his shop.

He highlighted the lack of traffic calming measures in the area such as speed bumps or cameras.

"I want this footage to act as a warning and make people more aware of just how quickly you can lose control of a car when it's being driven at that sort of speed. It's really dangerous," he added.

Essex Police said the driver veered onto the wrong side of the road and mounted the pavement, smashing into a set of brick steps outside a house.

The car ploughed into the corner of a building containing a second hand shop and a Thai massage parlour.

Cops closed down the road for 22 hours after investigations were launched.

The impact of the horror crash was so great that bricks and debris was spread up to 50 yards up the road, according to shocked witnesses.

It comes as emotional tributes have been paid to the four young victims, who were all heavily involved in university sporting communities.

'REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN'

In a statement released by Essex Police on Monday, Makyle's family said he was "a remarkable young man, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched".

They added: "He was in his final year studying sports science at the University of Essex, where he was not only dedicated to his academic pursuits but also to his love of basketball.

"A passionate player from a young age, he proudly represented the Essex Rebels, his university's basketball team.

"Makyle was much more than a talented athlete - he was a beloved son, a proud big brother, and a true friend to so many.

"His kindness, thoughtfulness, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.

"As his family - his parents, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents - we are deeply heartbroken by his loss.

"Our lives will never be the same without him, but we will always carry his spirit in our hearts."

'BEAUTIFUL SOUL'

Meanwhile the University of Essex Student Section paid tribute to Ms Darold-Tchikaya, and shared a video on their Instagram story of her dancing.

It was Ms Darold-Tchikaya's heartbreaking final post on her own social media before the smash, in Magdalen Street, Colchester.

"Rest in eternal peace Eva, you were loved by everyone who encountered you! You really were that girl with such energy and an unforgettable aura, sleep tight beautiful soul," wrote one heartbroken friend.

"I hope you're Dancing in the Sky Eva. RIP," penned another.

The video, which shows Ms Darold-Tchikaya dancing, was captioned: "Over n out. This year has been incredible and one for the books.

"To every teacher I've taken class from and to everyone who's shows support THANK YOU.

"Dance journey continues, goodbye 24 and welcome 25."

An her dance group who posted a heartfelt tribute which read: "Our dance family has lost a wonderful dancer, team mate, teacher and Vice president.

"Eva Darold-Tchikaya you are forever in our hearts."

Essex Rebels Basketball also paid emotional tribute to the four young students.

Two of the students, basketball players Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert, were pictured for the first time in their Essex Rebels team jerseys. 

A statement on X, formerly Twitter, read: "We are heartbroken by the loss of Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol.

"No words can fully express the incredible sadness everyone in the Rebels family is feeling."

A post on the University of Essex's official account said: "Our whole University is in mourning for Makyle, Eva, Anthony and Daljang.

"They touched the lives of so many of us. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew them."

University of Essex Vice Chancellor Maria Fasli had earlier posted: "It is with deep sadness I must share the devastating news four of our students – Makyle Bayley, Anthony Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang Wol – tragically lost their lives this weekend.

"These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future.

"Their loss will be felt by their families and closest friends and by all our university community. In classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning – they were part of us, and their absence will be felt profoundly.

“In the coming days and weeks, we will find ways to honour Makyle, Anthony, Eva, and Daljang and ensure their light continues to shine in our university community. For now, we hold their families, their friends, and each other in our hearts."

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “I want to extend my condolences to the friends and family of Makyle, Eva, Anthony, and Daljang.

“This will be an incredibly difficult time for them and we have specialist officers supporting them.

“Our specialist Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating what led up to the collision but at this stage we do not believe any other vehicles were involved.

“I again want to thank all the attending emergency services for their efforts to maintain the dignity of those who died and to the community for their support and co-operation.

“If you have any information about what happened, please contact us.”