A man from London has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after two people were killed a crash on the M25.  

Zoe Hawes, from Canvey Island in Essex, was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when she was killed between junctions 22 and 21A at 4am on February 4.  

A second man, travelling in a different vehicle, was also killed in the incident.  

On Tuesday (February 20) Barancan Nurcin, 22, of High Road in Tottenham, was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  

The crash took place at around 4am between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans).  

Four vehicles were involved - a white Citroen Dispatch van, a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.  

Hertfordshire Police said: “Officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the collision. The pursuit was quickly abandoned as the officers assessed that the risk of continuing was too high.  

“As a matter of course, the incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who are now investigating and Essex Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the collision.”  

Zoe’s family have since paid tribute to a “wonderful mummy and nanna” who was the centre of their family.    

They said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.  

“She was a very much loved mum, step mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna. She was a friend to many.  

“She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband. Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate.  

“We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.   

“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.   

“We love you and will miss you forever xx”.

Anyone with information on the incident is being encouraged to come forward by contacting the police on 999 or by emailing Essex Police at CollisionAppeal@essex.police.uk.