THE FAMILY of a popular teenager killed after his car hit a tree in Bromley say their “hearts are bleeding” in the wake of the tragic accident.

David Harrod was driving his black Mini Cooper at around 1am on Sunday morning when he hit a tree.

The force of the impact damaged the tree and destroyed a nearby fence.

Emergency services arrived at the stricken Mini in Hayes Lane to find Mr Harrod trapped in the car.

Firefighters managed to pull the 18-year-old clear and he was taken to the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough by ambulance.

However, doctors were unable to save the former Hayes Secondary School pupil.

He had celebrated his 18th birthday in January.

The crash happened less than a mile from the teenager’s family home, also in Hayes Lane.

His mum and dad, Fiona and Matthew, told News Shopper: “No words can say how much we are hurting, we loved you so much David.

“You touched so many people’s lives and you’re going to be sadly missed by all who knew you.”

News Shopper: BROMLEY: Hayes Lane tree crash kills teenager

Mr Harrod's two younger sisters, Ella, 11, and 13-year-old Shannon, said: “We are missing you so much and wish you were here with us.

"You are missed by so many people and always will be.”

In another joint statement, Mr Harrod’s grandparents, Anne and Brendon Kelly and Pat and Sandra Harrod, said: “Our hearts are bleeding for you, god bless.”

Hayes Lane has been the scene of several serious car accidents over the past 14 months.

In December last year, a 22-year-old man was left in a critical condition after crashing into a lamppost in the road.

It is thought the driver may have been left undiscovered in the falling snow for several hours before a passer-by called for help.

And in January last year, off-duty police officer George Small, 29, was knocked off his motorbike by a car and killed at the junction of Hayes Lane and Masons Hill.

News Shopper: UPDATE - BROMLEY: Hayes Lane tree crash kills teenager Dave Harrod

The Met’s south east collision investigation unit is now looking into Sunday’s accident which forced Bromley Police to close Hayes Lane between Masons Hill and Hayes Road until 5.40am.

Flowers and handwritten messages now decorate the tree where Mr Harrod crashed.

Georgie Perkins, 17, was close friends with Mr Harrod, who worked as a builder in Forest Hill.

The pair both attended Hayes Primary School in George Lane, Hayes.

Miss Perkins, from Hayes, said: “I cannot believe David is gone and taken at such a young age.

“He was one-of-a-kind and had such a loving and caring personality. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“He gave me and my family so many laughs and memories that we will never forget.”

She added: “David you touched so many peoples hearts and will be missed so much but you will never be forgotten.”