The family of 18-year-old Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs have paid a heartbreaking tribute to the “witty and kind” teenager after she was killed in a devastating car crash in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Esme died after the Volkswagen Polo she was driving collided with a white Mercedes on Bloxham Road at around 9.20pm on Saturday.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following the crash, and Esme was taken to hospital with serious injuries. She later died.

Her death has left her family and friends mourning a young woman they described as a bright, funny and deeply loved presence in their lives.

Family remembers Esme as a unique and loving daughter

In a tribute released on Monday, Esme’s family described her as a “beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside”.

They said the world became “suddenly dimmer” when one of its “brightest and most unique lights” was taken from them.

Esme was remembered as “funny, kind, stubborn, witty and beautiful”, as well as a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.

Her mother will miss her smile, laughter and her ability to lift the spirits of people around her.

Her father remembered her practical jokes and cheeky personality, which the family said had a way of brightening everyone’s day.

Her brother described Esme as his “little sister” and the “pink version” of himself, while her sister-in-law recalled her spontaneous messages, photographs, singalongs and shopping trips.

Her friends also paid tribute to her important place within their group, describing her as their “spark” and the person who helped hold them together.

‘She had barely just begun her adult life’

The family said Esme had so much of life ahead of her.

“She has barely just begun her adult life,” they said, describing her holidays, nights out with friends and the plans she was making with the people around her.

They said she wanted to live “the fullest and most fulfilling life possible”.

Her sudden death has therefore left what the family described as a “profoundly large hole” in the hearts of many people who knew and loved her.

Man charged following fatal crash

Thames Valley Police have charged 36-year-old Brian Mclaren in connection with the collision.

He faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving without due care while over the prescribed limit.

Mclaren has also been charged with driving while disqualified and driving a motor vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit.

He appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he had been remanded.

Mclaren is due to appear next at Oxford Crown Court on November 6.

Police confirmed that a 24-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman who were also arrested in connection with the incident have been released on police bail.

The investigation remains ongoing as Esme’s family and friends continue to mourn her loss.