A CAR that was involved in a fatal crash in Huddersfield had been stolen a week earlier, police revealed today.

Nineteen-year-old Mark Bamford, of Oak Road in Bradley, died when the Honda Jazz he was in crashed and overturned on St John’s Road in Birkby.

The car had been asked to stop by police at traffic lights shortly before the crash, but drove off.

Officers are still investigating the incident, which happened at about 2.20am on Monday.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman has now confirmed the car had been taken from its owner’s house in Bradley seven days before.

She said: “The car was reported stolen overnight between July 4 and 5 from St Thomas Gardens in Huddersfield.”

Two men, aged 17 and 20, who survived the crash are still on bail pending further inquiries.

Meanwhile, a mound of floral tributes is growing at the spot where Mark, who worked in telesales, lost his life.

One tribute, on a bunch left by nearby J’s Cafe, said: “Gone far too soon. Fly freely and rest in peace. All our thoughts are with your family and friends.”

Another said: “Mark, you will be missed. Such a sad loss.”

“RIP Mark, love always, Allan, Sue, Craig. Simply the best.”

Mark was the youngest of four children. He has two brothers Steven, 21, Gary 32, and a sister Julie 34.

He grew up in Bradley and attended Bradley Infants and Nursery and Junior schools, going on to study at All Saints Catholic College.

On leaving school he went straight into work at vehicle component distributors, Andrew Page in Hillhouse Lane, starting in the warehouse and recently being promoted to telesales.