New police appeal over tragic father and daughter fatal Chapel St Leonards crash

Police have identified a possible witness to a crash in which a father and daughter plunged into a dyke and lost their lives.

Lincolnshire Police are now trying to trace a small black car, which resembles a BMW X1, that was in the area at the time.

The force has emphasised that investigators are not suggesting the vehicle was involved or contributed to the crash.

Photo: John Aron

India Plaice, 21, and dad Danny Plaice, 52, were named by police as the victims following the fatal incident on Monday, February 24.

They were in a white Fiat Punto, which plunged into the water on Sea Road near to the primary school.

Locals praised the brave efforts of those who rushed to help at the scene and many have offered their thoughts to the volunteers and emergency services.

Photo: John Aron

India Plaice (pictured) and her father Danny died after a collision in Chapel St Leonards. Photo: Facebook

Tributes have poured in on social media, many from India’s friends.

Jasmine Greaves Mctighe said: “I truly am heartbroken. I was on the phone seconds before this happened to our angel.”

India worked at Seascape Cafe NSO, which was closed for the day on Tuesday as staff dealt with the tragic loss.

India Plaice. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

In a Facebook post the cafe said: “We and the team are devastated and will spend the day remembering every piece of the beautiful girl we have lost.

“India – One of the most beautiful souled people we had the pleasure of knowing. The life and soul of any party. Listening to your stories and funny thoughts at work had us all in laughter for hours. A day at work with you was never a dull moment. We will miss you greatly and you will forever be in our thoughts.

“Party hard up there princess – we love you. All our love, comfort and thoughts are with your family.”

Members of the public and emergency services attempted to rescue the two casualties. Photo: John Aron

Barry Caldicott posted on Facebook to the National Coastwatch Institution Chapel Point saying: “It is with great sadness and heartache to announce the sudden passing of a very close friend of Chapel St Leonards’ Coastwatch.

“Our thoughts are with India’s family and colleagues at Seascape Cafe NSO. Your smile and fun will be sadly missed.”

Investigating officers have issued an appeal to witnesses of the tragic crash and anyone with dash cam footage to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 or via email at [email protected], quoting incident 263 of February 24.