Police have issued a fresh appeal as almost £9,000 has been raised for the family of a "wonderful" mum killed in a fatal M25 crash.

Zoe Hawes, from Canvey, was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when she was killed after a crash between junctions 22 and 21A at around 4am on Sunday, February 4.

Four vehicles were involved – a white Citroen Dispatch van, a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.

A second man also sadly died following the crash. Both families are being supported by specially trained officers.

Zoe’s husband, Wayne, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital, Hertfordshire Police has confirmed.

A GoFundMe set up to support the family - helping with funeral costs and hospital visits - has nearly reached its £10,000 target with £8,864 raised. 

Issuing a fresh appeal, Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this crash.

“I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.

“Did you see what happened or the events leading up to the crash? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can help.

“I also want to ask any dashcam owners who were driving in the area to check it and get in touch if you spot something that might help us.

“You can email me at CollisionAppeal@essex.police.uk.”

A man in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Hertfordshire Police officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the crash. The pursuit was quickly abandoned as the officers assessed that the risk of continuing was too high.

As a matter of course, the incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who are now investigating and Essex Police is conducting a criminal investigation into the crash.

Report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in Hertfordshire Police's force communications room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Op Sericeous.

Alternatively, stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In a tribute following the crash, Zoe’s family said the much-loved mother, stepmother, sister, aunt and young grandmother, was "the heart" and "centre" of their blended family and a "role model to everyone".

They added: “We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.

 

“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.

“We love you and will miss you forever.”

To donate to the fundraiser set up for Zoe's family, visit gofundme.com/f/zoe-hawes.