TRIBUTES have been paid to a shopaholic who died in a tragic crash.

Relatives of 22-year-old security dog handler Sophie Lennox described her as “loving, caring” and mad about shopping.

It comes as police continue to investigate the crash in which she died.

In a touching tribute, her family said: “Sophie was an energetic, loving caring person.

“She always loved trying new things, was always full of sprit and so cheeky.

“Sophie had many people around her that loved her dearly. She was a loving sister, caring daughter and a wonderful girlfriend. Most of all she loved her little nephew Lewis and her boyfriend’s daughter Dolly, who she really did think the world of.

“She was so out-going, was always willing to give anything a chance and never minded travelling to new shopping places.

“Sophie was never happier then shopping, until she met her boyfriend. They fell in love straight away.”

Sophie, from Edmonton in North London, was the passenger in a VW Golf travelling on the A1089 slip road, at its junction with the A13 at Orsett, at 2.45pm on Saturday December 15 when the crash happened.

A BMW collided with the Golf and then struck a Vauxhall Astra. The Golf then ploughed into a lamppost and rolled down a steep embankment.

The Golf’s driver, a 21-year-old man from Grays, was also seriously injured and is now recovering at home.