Tributes paid to young couple found dead after 'chemical incident' in Chelmsford
TRIBUTES were paid today to a young couple found dead in a "chemical incident" in Chelmsford.
Tom Putt and Nikki Willis were discovered slumped in Mr Putt’s Ford Focus car on Monday morning
Nikki Willis and Tom Putt were discovered slumped in Mr Putt’s Ford Focus car on Monday morning.
The brand new vehicle was parked outside the home Miss Willis shared with her mother and stepfather in a quiet residential street.
Police have yet to reveal details of what caused the couple’s deaths and are still investigating the tragedy in Chelmsford, Essex.
Neighbours told how they heard a loud bang shortly after the couple were seen chatting in the car with the engine running.
My very good friend Tom Putt and Nikki sadly lost their lives today
The emergency services responded to the incident with a hazardous area response team.
The couple, both in their 20s, had been dating for about six months.
Miss Willis worked at an electronics shop while Mr Putt, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was a Ford Motor Company apprentice.
The brand new vehicle was parked outside the home Miss Willis
The emergency services responded to the incident with a hazardous area response team
Posting online, one friend, Tyler Joslin, said: “RIP Nikki. So gutted to hear that you are gone really.
“You were such a good person and an amazing friend. Sleep tight angel.
“My thoughts go out to all her family xxx”
Sara Higginson added: “May you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten and will be very sadly missed.”
The couple, both in their 20s, had been dating for about six months
Writing on Facebook, Mr Putt’s friend Ben Henderson said: “My very good friend Tom Putt and Nikki sadly lost their lives today.
“Tom was always there to help me and has been such a good friend to me and always there when I needed him and was a friend that I could always rely on.”
“No person should be taken away from us at such a young age.
“Tom, I am so proud to of known you and had the pleasure of calling you my friend.
“I will miss you dearly, mate.”
Neighbours told how they heard a loud bang shortly after the couple were seen chatting in the car
Essex Police confirmed they were treating the matter as a “chemical incident.”
A spokesman said: “Their deaths are being treated as unexplained at this time.
“Inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.”