THE families of a young couple who were found dead in a car have paid tribute to their “gorgeous baby girl” and “charming” son.

Thomas Putt, 20, of Wren Close, Leigh, and Nikki Willis, 23, of Fox Crescent, Chelmsford, were found dead in a blue Ford Fiesta in Fox Crescent shortly before 11.15am on Monday.

The cause of their deaths is not known but police are not treating them as suspicious.

Mr Putt’s family said: "We are utterly shocked and devastated at the death of our darling son Tom.

"He was a whirlwind in our lives from day one, always cheeky, always smiling.

"He was maturing into a charming, kind and lovely young man.

"Tom touched many people’s lives and hearts and we are so grateful for all the touching messages and kind words we have received from his friends.

"He was an engineering apprentice and was passionate about cars, his hockey and football, especially his team, Manchester United.

"He had recently achieved a long-time ambition to see them play at Old Trafford and he was so thrilled about being able to do this.

"He would have turned 21 next month and we can’t believe that we won’t be sharing the rest of his life with him.

"We and your sisters love you Tom and will miss you for the rest of our lives.”

Mr Putt was a car enthusiast, a member of the London Motorsport Group and played hockey at the Old Southendian Hockey Club.

Miss Willis’s family said: "Our gorgeous baby girl, daughter, stepdaughter, sister, girlfriend and friend of so many.

"We are so proud of you even though your time here was too short.

"You loved life and always had a smile.

"You will never be forgotten, always and forever in our hearts and memories.

"Our angel now has her wings.

"Please can the families and friends have our time to grieve and come to terms with our sudden loss in peace."

Forensic post mortem examinations have been completed and the cause of their deaths is inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out.

Current investigations do not indicate their deaths were the result of a deliberate act.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “One of the lines of enquiry police are investigating is the possibility they may have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Tests will be carried out on the vehicle, which will include establishing whether any modifications have taken place.

“We advise anyone who has had modifications carried out to their vehicle by someone other than a qualified mechanic to have it checked as a safety precaution.”

  • FRIENDS paid their tributes to Tom and Nikki after their deaths on Saturday.

Nikki was a shop worker at CeX in Chelmsford while Tom was an apprentice for Ford.

Friends took to social media to describe their shock and devastation at the double loss.

Ben Henderson, who knew Tom for several years, said: “I knew him through our love of cars.

“No matter what he would always offer his help. I couldn’t have asked for a more reliable, caring and loyal friend than what Tom was to me.

“He would give anyone the time of day and always assist those in need. It truly won’t be the same without him and I will miss him dearly.

“I didn’t really know Nikki very well but being from the same friendship group, everyone was always helping each other.

“I can honestly say they were both an absolute pleasure to know and have in my life.”

Another friend of Tom’s, Lottie Hoy, who knew him through the London Motorsport group, said: “Tom was one of the greatest people I ever met.

“Whenever I was sad, whenever my car broke, he would be there helping me.

“He did so much for other people and I have the best memories to cherish of him.

“Tom will forever be in my heart. I didn’t know Nikki personally but from what I heard, she was a lovely girl who was always cheerful. They will both be greatly missed by many.”

Tom’s friend, Josh Hunter, who met him through a car enthusiasts group, said: “Tom was a lovely lad. Every time I went out to a car show he was always there having a laugh. “Tom and Nikki are going to be sadly missed. All our thoughts go to their families.”

Tom had been a member of the Old Southendian Hockey Club, who described him as “dedicated and enthusiastic”.

A statement by the club read: “Tom was a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the hockey club who will be dearly missed.

“Tom learnt to play hockey at Warners Park when he was 10 and gained a place in the 7 a-side U11’s squad in which he became a regular player and made many friends.

“He grew up at OSHC and progressed to the U13’s and then, once too old for the youth section, on to the 11 a-side men’s teams.

“He was a resolute player always turning up, never complaining and putting in strong performances, his speed and strength caught many an opponent off guard and led to him scoring many winning goals for the club.”

Forensics set up a tent around the vehicle while they investigated the car to try and establish what had happened.

Some locals said they heard a loud bang like a car backfiring around the time the bodies were discovered.

Fox Crescent remained cordoned off while a number of police officers continued their enquiries.

As part of standard procedure, tests were conducted to check for potential noxious substances to ensure the safety of emergency services and the public.

The scene was later declared safe and there was no risk.

Meanwhile, flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy paying tribute to Tom and Nikki.