Car fan, 20, and his girlfriend, 23, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after he 'souped-up' his Ford Fiesta to improve its performance 

• Tom Putt, 20, and Nikki Willis, 23, were found dead in his Ford Fiesta ST
• Coroner says they breathed in exhaust fumes from a vehicle modification 
• Inquest told there was a gap between the car's engine and exhaust
• Carbon monoxide levels inside the car had been 1,000 times the safe limit

A young couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning after breathing in exhaust fumes in a car which had been modified, an inquest heard.

Tom Putt, 20 and Nikki Willis, 23, were found dead in a £18,000 Ford Fiesta ST last December outside her home in Chelmsford, Essex.

An inquest heard that car-fanatic Tom, an engineering apprentice, had carried out a series of alterations to the vehicle in a bid to improve its performance.

He had removed the catalytic converter from the exhaust and cut vents into the bonnet of his car.

However, a gap was left between the exhaust and the engine allowing fumes to be sucked into the car, the inquest heard.

The hearing was told that tests later revealed that carbon monoxide levels inside the car had been 1,000 times greater than the safety limit. 

The gas is odour and tasteless so the couple would not have known they were being poisoned.

Detective Robert Kirby, who investigated the tragedy, said: 'A unique set of events came together to allow this tragic incident to happen.

'A gap in the exhaust system where the exhaust meets the engine allowed fumes to escape. Compounded by the fact the car had had its catalytic converter removed.

'Vents underneath the windscreen wipers then took in the emissions from the gaps in the bonnet.'

Chelmsford Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded verdicts of accidental death in both cases.

Speaking outside court on behalf of the family and Essex Police, Detective Kirby added: 'This was a tragic accident which led to the deaths of Nikki and Tom.

'Tom was not inexperienced. He had been an apprentice with Ford for over a year and had done work on his car previously.

'We would like to encourage people to please consider if modifications are worth the potential consequences.'

Giving her conclusions, Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: 'What a tragic, tragic accident. She [Miss Willis] clearly was a young lady with a bright future in front of her.

'Again another tragic accident [Mr Putt's death]. A young man with a bright future in front of him.

'I hope the families will be able to think of the happy memories.'

Miss Willis worked in electronics shop CeX and Mr Putt was an apprentice for Ford. They are believed to have dated for around six months.

It is believed the pair met to go for food after Nikki finished work on Sunday, December 4, and they drove around Chelmsford before parking outside her home.

Following Miss Willis's death, her family said: 'Our gorgeous baby girl, daughter, stepdaughter, sister, girlfriend and friend of so many. 

'We are so proud of you even though your time here was too short. You loved life and always had a smile.

'You will never be forgotten, always and forever in our hearts and memories. Our angel now has her wings.

'Please can the families and friends have our time to grieve and come to terms with our sudden loss in peace.'

Mr Putt's family, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, said: 'We are utterly shocked and devastated at the death of our darling son Tom.

'He was a whirlwind in our lives from day one, always cheeky, always smiling. He was maturing into a charming, kind and lovely young man.

'Tom touched many people's lives and hearts and we are so grateful for all the touching messages and kind words we have received from his friends.

'He was an engineering apprentice and was passionate about cars, his hockey and football, especially his team, Manchester United.

'He had recently achieved a long-time ambition to see them play at old Trafford and he was so thrilled about being able to do this.

'He would have turned 21 next month and we can't believe that we won't be sharing the rest of his life with him.'