Michael Maidens, a midfield player, was tragically killed last night when the vehicle he was travelling in lost control and smashed into a metal post near the Greystones roundabout on the A174, say police.

Today's Hartlepool United match against Swansea has been postponed as a sign of respect.

The incident occurred at 8.25pm last night. The Vauxhall Corsa which Maidens, 20, was a passenger in was travelling West from the direction of Lazenby in a convoy of other cars driven by friends, say police.

The car was the last in the line of vehicles and was heading towards the roundabout on the A174 Parkway, officers added.

A police spokesman said: ''As the car negotiated the slip road straight off the roundabout it lost control and span in the road before colliding with a metal post.

''There was serious damage caused to the passenger side of the car. The impact caused fatal injuries to the front seat passenger."

See Monday's Mail for the full story