TRIBUTES have flooded in for two young men killed after their car ploughed into a tree and burst into flames at the weekend.

The pair, named locally as Craig Jewell and Joshua Tate, died at the scene of the horrific accident, close to Bournemouth’s Bear Cross roundabout in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the black Vauxhall Vectra caught fire almost immediately after crashing into the tree.

One shocked neighbour told the Daily Echo: “It was horrendous, there was no way anyone was going to get out. My heart goes out to the families.”

Emergency services rushed to Ringwood Road around 4.45am.

Shortly after Dorset Fire and Rescue Service put out the flames a blue screen was erected around the wreckage. This remained in place for several hours to enable the emergency services to carry out their work.

Such was the force of the impact, the car wrapped around the tree and debris was thrown more than 30 feet along the dual carriageway.

Joyce Knox, who heard the impact as the car crashed directly outside her house, immediately dialled 999.

“By the time I’d got from our bedroom at the back of the house to the front the car was already in flames,” she said.

Inspector Matt Butler said at the scene two people had died in the crash.

Police closed the road in both directions until early Saturday evening and scores of mourners quickly established an impromptu shrine, which has been inundated with messages of condolences, poppies and flowers.

One poignant message simply states: “Craig and Josh. God bless you both.

“All our love.”

Another read: “RIP lads. Never forget you.”

Dorset Police Chief Inspector Steve White said: “The car was extensively damaged and the two occupants of the car died from injuries they had sustained. The car also caught fire.

“Any witnesses to this collision or anyone who may have seen the Vectra before the collision are asked to contact PC 881 Freeman of the Poole traffic unit on 101.”