A 22-year-old man from Tower Hamlets has died after he was involved in a high speed crash on the M1 in the early hours of Monday morning.

Gulzar Ahmed, 22, was a passenger in a BMW when it crashed at high speed into another car of the same make, killing him and another man, as well as injuring six others.

Mr Ahmed’s father, Nazrul, told the Evening Standard that he was a well known and widely liked member of the community, and had recently completed a business course at Tower Hamlets College.

Speaking at his home in Stepney Green, the 63-year-old said: “He was always smiling and joking, he was very cheeky. He had lots of friends and was very popular.

“He was always well turned out and took a pride in his appearance.

“We are now grieving for our son. The community has been wonderful - people of all faiths have been to pay their respects.

“Everyone knew him and liked him. We will miss him so much. He stayed in quite a lot and was a nice family boy”, he added.

Police have confirmed that two men from east London, a 22-year-old and a 24-year-old died in the crash, but are yet to confirm their identities.

An investigation is now under way to determine the cause of the crash.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, but has since been released on bail.