The family of Amelia Jayne Szelewski, who died in a crash near Stevenage, have paid tribute to a “beautiful, selfless and loving” daughter and sister.

The 25-year-old tragically died after she was involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) between Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City on Sunday, April 16.

She had been travelling back from a weekend away in Lincolnshire with her boyfriend Chris Burke, aged 35, and younger sister Celia, where they had enjoyed a break with her two elder sisters and 12 friends.

Following the collision, Chris and Celia were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for treatment where they both remain in a serious but stable condition.

Amelia, from Northolt, leaves her mother Cathy, aged 60, her father Spike, aged 62, and her sisters Nina, aged 28, Olivia, aged 26, and 22-year-old Celia.

The third youngest of four girls, Amelia was born at Ealing Hospital on September 12, 1991 and grew up in Northolt being doted on by her parents and older sisters.

The family are staunch supporters of Arsenal football club and all four girls played for Belmont United Youth FC until their mid-teens. Dad Andrew recalled how Amelia’s talent on the pitch led to her being scouted to play for Watford Ladies FC, where she was part of the club for four years.

Sister Olivia, who works in property, said: “Amelia knew so many people. Every time we went into a pub, someone else would stop to chat to her – she was just that sort of person. She was the life and soul of the party.

“When we were away at the weekend, she didn’t stop laughing the whole time. She was so cheeky but she always retained this angelic, childlike innocence. I used to call her my angel.”