Family and friends of a teenager who died in a scooter crash have placed loving tributes at the site of his death.

James Staines, 16, of The Drakes, Shoebury, died after he was thrown from his scooter in Royal Artillery Way, Southend, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Police are investigating claims he may have been racing when he hit the curb.

A post mortem is expected to confirm he died from head, facial and spinal injuries.

Among the cards and flowers, was a tribute from the bike-loving youngster's mother and father.

It said: "Shall be sadly missed. Always and forever. We love you James. Please wait for us until we are all together. Mum and Dad."

Photographs of James on his trial bike were also placed at the scene along with the flowers.

Another tribute from his brother, Matthew, said: "To James. You were the best brother I had. I wish you never crashed on the motorbike. I love you, from Matthew."

Friends also wrote about how much they missed James, who often met up with them at Southend seafront.

The teenager had a trial bike confiscated from him by the police last year after he was spotted riding irresponsibly.

Stuart Edney, Shoebury Police Community Support Officer, urged young scooter and moped enthusiasts to ride safely.

He said: "If you hit something at 30mph, it is like being hit by a car.

"Helmets should have the correct safety stamp and the correct protective clothing should be worn."

James was wearing an off-road style helmet similar to those used by trial bike riders. These helmets often do not have visors.

Police said these are street legal, but it was safer to wear a traditional-style road helmet with a visor.

To find out more about safer riding, go to www.bikesafe.co.uk