The names of two young men killed in an e-bike crash being investigated as murder have been revealed by police.

William Birchard, 21, and Darren George, 22, both tragically died in a collision near the M3 motorway earlier this month.

Four people have been arrested over the incident, Surrey Police said.

Officers were at just before 1am on July 22 to the A316 southbound slip road onto the M3 following a crash involving a black e-bike.

One of the young men was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while the other sadly died in hospital later the same day. 

The heartbroken families of Mr Birchard, from Colnbrook, and Mr George, from Egham in Surrey, asked that people not share photos, footage or memes online relating to the incident.

Through the police, they said they had already seen commentary which caused them "great distress". 

Detectives launched a double murder investigation in relation to the incident earlier this week and arrested four people in connection with the crash. 

A 29-year-old man from Sunbury was arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 24-year-old woman from North Yorkshire was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Two 24-year-old men - one from Walton-on-Thames and another from Feltham - have also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. 

All remain in custody.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Debbie Birch said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the two victims at this incredibly difficult time.

"Our investigation is still in the early stages, and our officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of this incident and gather evidence.

“We are urgently looking to speak to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation.

“Were you in the area around Sunbury Cross between 00.40am and 00.50am on Monday, 22 July? Do you have any CCTV, dash cam or helmet cam footage that may have captured all or part of this incident?

“We are particularly interested in tracing the movements and manner of driving of a black e-bike and a black Ford Ranger travelling through the area during this time.”

Inspector Matt Walton, Borough Commander for Spelthorne, added: “We appreciate that this incident will have come as a shock to the local community, particularly to those who knew the victims.

“We are also aware that there has been some online commentary which has caused great distress to the victims’ families. We ask that you do not share any photos, memes, or footage you might see in relation to this incident.

“Our investigation is still in the early stages, and we ask the public not to speculate on the circumstances while we are still carrying out enquiries.”