A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a collision in which New Forest teenager Esther Walters died.

The 19-year-old man from Fordingbridge has been bailed until September pending further enquiries.

Esther Walters, from Sandleheath, Fordingbridge, died in hospital on Friday night after the single-vehicle collision on the B3078. She was the front seat passenger in the Vauxhall Corsa.

A 17-year-old boy, also from Fordingbridge, who was the rear seat passenger, received serious spinal injuries.

Yesterday, friends continued to express shock and disbelief via a Facebook tribute page – Esther Walters Forever Loved.

More than 1,000 people “liked” the page set-up to share memories of their beloved friend, who was studying in the sixth form at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury.

Esther had moved to the sixth form in September from The Burgate School in Fordingbridge and was studying English Language, English Literature and History, recently completing her AS-level exams.

Headteacher Frances Stratton said students were devastated by the news. “We have a lot of students who join us in the sixth form and for Esther to make such an impact is testament to her personality.

She added: “She had shown real determination to make the best of the academic and social life at South Wilts and will be missed by her teachers and her fellow students alike. Esther was a lively and happy student who was hoping to use her love of English to pursue a career in journalism.”

David Pover, headteacher at The Burgate School said: “This was a tragic loss. We’re in a state of shock and the school community is finding it difficult to come to terms with what happened. Esther was an extremely popular, bright and sporty pupil, an amazing young person with so many positive attributes that it is impossible to express them in a few words. She will be so desperately missed by so many people.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact PC Simon Bradbury on 0845 045 45 45