QPR striker Ray Jones killed in car crash

Jones, who was due to celebrate his 19th birthday on Tuesday, died following the accident in London in the early hours of this morning.

A regular first-team member last season, Jones was considered one of Rangers' brightest prospects and had already boasted a call-up to the England Under-19 squad.

It is also believed he was being monitored by clubs in the Barclays Premier League.

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said on the club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk: "We are all shocked and saddened by the news. It's a huge loss for this football club.

"Ray had the world at his feet and he will be sorely missed by everyone connected to Queens Park Rangers.

"Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends and we will be doing everything we can to help them through this terrible time."

As a result of the tragedy, Rangers' Coca-Cola Championship match at Burnley today has been postponed.

Police have confirmed Jones was one of five occupants of a black Volkswagen Golf which collided with a double-decker bus at approximately 12.20am in High Street, East Ham.

Jones and a fellow occupant were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third victim died after being taken to hospital.

The two remaining occupants were also taken to hospital, where one is in a serious condition and the other is described as walking wounded.

Police, who have appealed for any witnesses to the accident, are awaiting details on whether anyone on the bus was injured.

Jones joined QPR aged 15 and, after making his professional debut against Watford in April 2006, he went on to make 35 appearances in all competitions last term - scoring six goals.

He signed a three-and-a-half year deal in January, ending speculation about his future, while Rangers also rejected a £200,000 bid from Colchester at the end of last season.

Jones had yet to feature this term because of a foot injury and had not been due to play this afternoon.

Despite today's postponement, the Clarets will hold an open training session at Turf Moor at 3pm as a mark of respect to Jones.

The session will be free to all supporters, but there will be collection points inside the ground for fans to make a donation to a nominated charity of QPR's choice.

Burnley said in a statement: "Deepest sympathies goes out to both the player's family and the club from everyone at Burnley Football Club."

The Football League, who agreed today's postponement, also expressed their condolences.

Head of communications John Nagle said: "This is tragic news. Ray Jones was just at the start of his playing career but he had already shown tremendous potential.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Football League and its member clubs are with Ray's family and friends, as well as all his colleagues at QPR."

Jones' death is the second tragedy to hit QPR recently.

Last year saw youth team player Kiyan Prince stabbed to death outside his school at the age of 15.