Heartfelt tributes have poured in for two Wishaw teens who tragically died after a horror bike smash.
Derek Paton, 19, and Leon Fitzpatrick, 18, were gravely injured after the scrambler collided with a van on Ryde Road near the junction with Waverley Drive at around 4.30pm on Thursday.
It is understood that Derek died at the scene and Leon later passed away in hospital.
The van driver sustained minor injuries.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and closed down the road after the alarm was raised.
Scores of police vehicles remained in the area throughout the night as accident investigation work was carried out.
A motorbike, which was extensively damaged, lay on the ground as forensic officers took pictures of the scene.
Relatives and friends of Derek have paid tribute to him.
Cousin Stacey Paton wrote on Facebook: “I'm heartbroken to be writing this. My baby cousin Derek is now a precious angel. I have no words, my heart is absolutely shattered.
“I'm in bits, fly high son you'll be sadly missed.”
One friend wrote: “Thinking of Paitin Paton and the family. Absolutely devastated for them over the loss of wee Derek. Far too young to have been taken from this world.
“Rest easy wee man. Craigneuk won’t be the same without you.”
Derek's girlfriend wrote: "Last night I lost the most important person in my life , my partner in crime, my best friend, boyfriend and my absolute soul mate.
"I am completely shattered to pieces, we had it all planned full life ahead of us both.
"Never a dull moment even when we argued he would make a joke out it (getting me more angry ). I don’t even know what people expect me to say I’m gutted for the full Paton family!
"We all adored Derek in our own special ways and he knew he had us all wrapped round his fingers , especially his wee mum who he will forever adore."
Another pal added: “RIP Derek Paton. A honestly can’t believe it another young person took far too soon. Such a heartbreaking time for so many people right now.
“Can’t imagine what the family are going through right now. Thoughts are with the family at this devastating time.”
One pal said: “A can’t believe it. Fly high ma wee pal Derek Paton. Thoughts are with yours all at this sad time.”
Sharing a picture of Derek and his late brother Dylan together, another relative said: “Two angels together.”
This is the second heartbreak to rock the Paton family after the death of Derek's 16-year-old sibling who collapsed and died in 2014.
Tributes to Leon were also shared extensively.
Leon's Aunt Carole Fitzpatrick-Flemming wrote online: "My nephew died and so did his friend. I’m heartbroken."
One friend wrote: "RIP Leon, love and miss you so much."
Another added: "RIP Leon. Canny believe it bro fly high up there lad. Was only in mine the other month, just goes to show the morra's not promised."
One pal said: "RIP Leon my boy, canny believe it."
And another friend wrote: "Well when I thought this year couldn't get any worse. Rest easy up there Leon. You were such an amazing boy.
"My thoughts are with you family at this devastating time."
And Susan Arnott paid tribute to both youngsters, saying: "Thoughts and condolences to all the family on the loss of Derek.
"Thoughts to the other boy Leon also and his family.
"Such a tragedy these two boys tonight. RIP to you both."
Police Scotland released a statement on the deaths, which reads: "Two teenagers have died following a road crash on Ryde Road in Wishaw on Thursday, 24 February.
"The incident happened around 4.30pm and involved an off-road motorcycle and a white Volkswagen Crafter van.
"The 19-year-old man rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene and an 18-year-old man, who had been riding as a pillion passenger, was taken to Wishaw General Hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.
"The 34-year-old driver of the van suffered minor injuries.
"The road was closed until around 11pm to allow an investigation at the scene."
Sergeant Ryan McAuley of the Road Policing Unit in Motherwell added: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this crash.
"Our enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing and we would urge anyone with information to come forward.
"Anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage is asked to check this and pass on anything of note to police.
"You can pass on information to police by calling 101, quoting incident 2032 of 25 February."
