FAMILY and friends of a “loveable” and “outgoing” teenager from Basingstoke who died in a road accident have been paying tribute to her.

Kimberley Milsom suffered fatal injuries after the Peugeot 306 car she was travelling in as a front seat passenger came off the B3400 road near Laverstoke and hit a tree.

The 18-year-old, of Mourne Close, Buckskin, Basingstoke, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car, driven by a 20-year-old Basingstoke man, was travelling from Basingstoke towards Whitchurch when the crash happened at about 7.40pm on Sunday, January 18. The driver was treated for abdominal injuries at Basingstoke hospital.

In a statement released through Hampshire police, Kimberley’s family said: “Kimmy was daughter to Nikki and Michael and sister to Jodi, Emma and Nathan.

“She was taken away after only 18 years leaving the family totally devastated.

“Kimmy had a challenging childhood but had recently attended a course with the Prince’s Trust enabling her to turn her life around and become a more confident person.

"She was looking forward to going on holiday with her boyfriend Kyle and making a new start in life.

"We are all going to miss her so much."

In the days following the tragedy, friends and family have been leaving flowers and cards at the scene on Rotten Hill, and many tributes have been posted on The Gazette's website.

Damion Price, from Tadley, wrote: "Rest in peace Kim. So sorry to hear that you're gone."

Another comment from Jessicals said: "Our hearts go out to Micky, Linda and family. This is a tragic, tragic accident. Speaking for all your friends on Hayling Island. We are in shock. xx"

Several comments have also been made, questioning the safety of the road.

Rob Francis, from Overton, wrote: "I lived in the area for 19 years, and it is in my opinion the most dangerous stretch of road I've come across. Something has to be done."

Charlotte Hammond, 20, one of Kimberley's close friends, told The Gazette the teenager was a "great friend and an outgoing, funny and really loveable person".

Miss Hammond, of Bolton Crescent, South Ham, said: "I met her through a friend and knew her for about a year-and-a-half.

"She was really interested in music and clothes, just like any girl her age."

A 20-year-old man, from Basingstoke, was released on bail until April 8 pending further inquiries.

The police still want to talk to anyone who saw a black Citroen Saxo, a Ford Fiesta and a silver Peugeot 306 in the area.