A 22-year-old woman who died in a three-vehicle crash in Northumberland over the weekend was about to embark on her “dream job”, her family has said.

Erin Bennett, who died at the scene of the crash, on the A1 near Felton on Sunday, 18 October, was about to start her training with Northumbria Police to become a detective, having graduated with a degree in criminology and psychology.

Her family paid tribute to a “caring, thoughtful” woman with a “contagious smile”.

Northumbria Police has appealed for witnesses to the collision, which involved a white Nissan Qashqai car travelling northbound and a red Renault Clio and a white Tesla travelling southbound at about 12:15 BST.

“Erin Bennett was the most amazing, beautiful woman and our whole world has been shattered beyond belief,” her family said, in a statement.

“She lit up the room with her contagious smile and was loved by everyone.

“She was the most caring, thoughtful, wonderful woman, and was so excited about her future.”

The family thanked those who stopped to assist at the scene on Sunday afternoon, and the emergency services.

“Losing Erin has left a huge hole that can never be filled. Please respect our family’s privacy at this awful time.”

Erin’s boyfriend, Craig, described her as the “light of his life”.

“I will always hold you in my heart. I love you always and forever my love,” he said, in a statement.

An investigation, led by the force’s serious collision investigation unit, has been launched to “determine the full circumstances” of the crash, police said.

Follow BBC North East on X, external, Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external and listen to Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds.