POLICE watchdogs are investigating a complaint that Essex Police wrongly suggested two teens who died in a tragic car crash may have been linked to drug dealing.

Reigan Knight and Liam Phillips, both 17, died when a Ford Escort crashed into a BMW at the junction of Southsea Avenue and Glendale Gardens, in Leigh, at 12.50am on December 27.

A 16-year-old boy, from Great Wakering, was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving and will appear at Basildon Crown Court on March 31.

However, in a press release made on the day of the crash, police said the youth had been arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

The claim led to comments on social media suggesting that the trio, plus another teenager who was uninjured in the crash, were involved in drug dealing.

Essex Police issued a correction two days later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was already looking into the circumstance of the crash because the Ford had been in a short pursuit involving a marked Essex Police vehicle moments before the crash.

As part of the investigation, the IPCC has taken a number of statements and is reviewing relevant CCTV footage.

A collision report is being prepared by an investigator from Suffolk Constabulary and will be provided to the IPCC in due course.

Colin Sparrow, operations manager at the IPCC, said: “This investigation is well underway and a number of key actions have been completed, including identifying and speaking to several people who have provided helpful information.

“We are continuing to review evidence to determine the nature of the contact police had with the vehicle Reigan and Liam were travelling in.

“Alongside our investigation into the circumstances of the collision, we are also examining how incorrect information was released in a press statement following the incident. Essex Police corrected the error but it is important that we review what went wrong.

“My thoughts remain with Reigan and Liam’s friends and family, and all those affected by this tragic incident.”

A spokesman for the IPCC added all officers and staff involved are being treated as witnesses.

An Essex Police spokesman said it was not appropriate to comment while an investigation is ongoing.