Friends, family and members of the public have helped raise £4,000 in just 16 hours in memory of two “well loved” friends who died in a hit and run this week.

The JustGiving page - which has already reached 80 per cent of its £5,000 target -was set up yesterday (Thursday 5) to help cover the costs of Tom Fletcher’s and Tom Northam’s funerals after they were killed on Tuesday (January 3).

It’s understood 22-year-old Thomas Northam, of Lilac Walk, Yaxley and 19-year-old Thomas Fletcher, of Meadow Walk, Yaxley were walking near Farcet at around 11am on Tuesday January 3 when they were hit by a BMW X5.

The driver of the BMW, a 38-year-old man from Essex, fled the scene on foot, but was arrested 75 miles away in Chelmsford. He remains in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and actual bodily harm (ABH).

“Both Tom’s where sadly killed in a hit and run on the 3.1.17,” reads the JustGiving page, which was set up by Andrew Dixon.

“Both Toms were well known in Yaxley and Farcet, and well loved by all that knew them.

“Our hearts go out to both their families at this sad time. Our villages are devastated.”

The JustGiving page continues: “Tom Fletcher and Tom Northam should have been looking forward to a whole life ahead of them, but sadly got taken away too soon.

“Fly high guys. Well loved and well missed by all. R.I.P GUYS.”

One person who donated £20 said: “Such an awful loss and so young. Sadly I drive through that area from Yaxley everyday and would never believe such an awful tragedy could happen to two young lads with so much ahead of them. RIP.”

Another person said on Facebook: “We didn’t know these young men but are truly saddened at the senseless loss of two young lives. Thinking of their families at this very difficult time.”

A third person said: “Tom Fletcher was a great guy. He helped our oldest son when he was having issues at school when we lived in Facet.

“We will never forget what he did for us. We personally didn’t know the other Tom, but he must have been a fantastic lad as well.

“Our thoughts are with all the families and friends at this very sad time.”

Their friend, Frazer Love, said: “They were both so kind, gentle and funny. When I found out, my heart just broke.”

Thomas Fletcher had been studying engineering at Peterborough Regional College. A spokesman said: “The department is saddened to hear of the loss of Thomas at such a young age.

There will be a service of remembrance at St Peter’s Church in Yaxley on Sunday.

Vicar, John Randall, told the BBC: “People are shocked and saddened. There’s a desperate sense of loss.

“It’s a close-knit community. We’ll be praying for the families and looking to do whatever we can to support them.”

To donate to the JustGiving page visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andrew-dixon371?utm_id=107

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.