TWO teenagers died this morning when the car they were travelling in smashed into a tree.

The pair, two men aged 17 and 18, were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which happened in Aldersbrook Road between the junctions with Dover Road and Empress Avenue by Wanstead Flats.

The 26-year-old driver of the Lexus IS 200 car and another passenger aged 18 were taken to hospital.

The driver is said to be in a "serious" condition this morning, with the other passenger "stable".

The crash happened at around 2.20am.

It is believed that only one car was involved.

The vehicle is thought to have left the road and crashed through a fence before hitting the tree.

The emergency services arrived on the scene within minutes after being contacted by residents in the street.

The roof of the dark grey car was cut off using specialist hydraulic equipment by fire crews, before paramedics battled to save the car's occupants.

London Air Ambulance teams also attended the scene.

Police have reportedly been unable to breathalyse the driver of the Lexus because his injuries are so bad.

The Metropolitan Police's accident investigation teams have been examining the scene.

The road was closed for most of the night and early morning following the smash, but has now reopened.