THE FAMILIES of two young men who died in a crash after taking pals on a terror ride through the streets of Portchester are urging other young motorists not to risk their lives in the same way.

This mangled wreckage of a car stands tragic testimony to the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two friends.

Now the families of father-of-one Stephen Barron and Matthew Mason, who both died of horrific injuries as a result of the crash, are hoping the picture will serve as a warning to youngsters who drive at dangerously high speeds.

Both men were killed after Stephen lost control of his Vauxhall Calibra as he negotiated a bend on Portsdown Hill at about 80mph.

His car spun out of control and overturned with such force that he and all three passengers were thrown from the vehicle. Only two of the four survived.

An inquest into their deaths revealed how Stephen, 22, of San Diego Road, Gosport, had picked up two friends in the town having already been out drinking with Matthew, 21, of Spring Garden Lane, Gosport, that day.

Then he took his pals on a high-speed ride through the streets of Fareham and Portchester at one point bragging he had reached speeds of 110mph.

Paul Spooner, one of the back-seat passengers, described to police the moments before the crash on June 2.

He said: "We turned left towards Portsdown Hill and Steve started booting it and exceeding the speed limit.

"We were overtaking every other car on the road. Matt was hanging out of the window and shouting words out as we went along. Steve changed gear and then said '90' then 'a ton' then 'a ton-ten'."

He went on to describe how the car spun out of control, hitting a grass verge at James Callaghan Drive before it overturned and he was knocked unconscious.

The court was also told how Mr Spooner was still receiving treatment for leg injuries sustained during the crash.

Stephen died later that day from multiple injuries while Matthew survived four days in intensive care on a ventilator before dying of a brain haemorrhage.

After the hearing, Victoria and Ashley Barron urged young motorists not to behave like their son did.

Mr Barron said: "My advice is just don't chance your arm or your luck will just eventually run out."

Mrs Barron added: "Don't end up like Stephen. Don't lark about at the wheel of the car wear seatbelts. It isn't worth risking your life for. It is just too short."

Investigating officer John Geden told the inquest at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court that none of the men had been wearing a seatbelt.

He said: "This crash has cost the lives of two young men in needless and tragic circumstances.

"What caused it was a cocktail of excessive speed and dangerous driving a contributing factor could well have been drink and drugs."

Although witness statements said the pair had been drinking, toxicology samples could not be taken from either man to confirm alcohol levels because of the treatment received during their time in casualty.

In recording a verdict of accidental death in both cases, coroner James Kenroy said: "A car can be a lethal weapon when not used properly. The way in which this car was being driven did, I am sorry to say, court disaster and sure enough that tragedy did occur."

Sgt Geden added: "Every young man should take note of this tragic case and the outcome. It could have been avoided in so many ways.

"We know the worst accidents occur at speed, when someone has been drinking and when the occupants are not wearing seatbelts. In this case all three factors were present."