The distraught family of a young father killed in a collision with a fire engine have put up signs at the scene of the accident in the hope that fresh witnesses will come forward.

Jamie Hierons, 22, of Pulpits Close, Hockley, died earlier this month at the Rettendon Turnpike when his Ford Escort careered into the fire engine which was answering an emergency call.

Jamie's second child is due to be born to his girlfriend Mina in just four weeks time. Since his death the family have been trying to get to the bottom of how the accident happened.

Posters have been going up along the A132 asking for drivers to come forward, alongside official police notices.

Flyers have also been given out to motorists on that stretch of road in the hope of reaching anyone who may be able to solve the puzzle.

His mother Christine Clarence said: "My husband Gary stood at the site of the accident with a poster between 6-7pm last week and is going to do it again.

"After we put the flyers out the person driving in front of Jamie came forward so we have changed the posters to say thank you to that person but asking the other drivers to come forward.

"We don't blame anybody but we just want to find out what really happened. We would like to thank all those who have already come forward to give information."

It was originally believed Jamie's body would not be released to the family until the inquiry was completed, but just hours after the first poster went up they were given permission for the funeral to go ahead.

The funeral will now take place on February 4. Mina's four children and Jamie's four-and-half-year-old daughter have placed messages and drawings into the coffin.

Mrs Clarence has praised the firefighters who were involved in the accident who have offered their support and condolences.

She said: "They have been brilliant. They are really gutted about what has happened."

Mrs Clarence added: "I made a promise that I would do everything to find out why this happened. There has got to be an answer at the end of it."

Remains of the car are still being sifted over by forensic scientists and a conclusion is not expected until May.

Plea - the sign by the roadside

Picture:NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.