The bereaved families of two young men killed in a crash have forgiven the driver, according to a family friend.

Zahid Ali, 18, of Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, lost control of his BMW on a bend in Marsden Road, Burnley, on March 10.

Passengers Kasier Hussain, 16, who was Ali’s cousin, and childhood friend Mohammed Sajad Khan, 19, died.

Coun Allah Dad said: “The families are still going through the shock of what has happened to them.

“They have forgiven Zahid. They have lost loved ones but they have some sympathy for him as well.

“They just see it as an accident and accidents happen.

"Everybody in this situation is suffering and is upset at what has happened.

“Everybody wants to try and put it behind them.”

After the case Sergeant Steve Wignall said: “It was a horrific scene and this was an incredibly tragic incident and my thoughts are firmly with Kaiser and Sajid's families.

“Ali's actions that evening led to the death of two young men who had their whole lives ahead of them as well as leaving two families completely devastated.

“This case highlights the most heartbreaking consequences of reckless speeding, which played a huge part in this collision, and should serve as a strong warning to people not to drive in this way.

“Lancashire Constabulary will not tolerate this type of behaviour on the county's roads and we are determined to bring to justice those people who choose to drive in such an irresponsible manner.”