FIVE people, including a six-year-old child, were seriously injured in a horrific crash.

It happened during wet weather just over the Devon border on the A35 late on Friday night.

The road was closed between Honiton and the Axminster junction of the A35 until late Saturday morning to allow an investigation to take place.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "At about 11.50pm on Friday, a two vehicle road traffic collision occurred on the A35 at Loughwood House, near Kilmington.

"A silver BMW car travelling towards Axminster was in collision with a green Renault Megane car, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

"As a result of the collision, the driver and believed sole occupant of the BMW suffered serious injuries, including a broken neck."

The spokesman said the Renault had a driver and four passengers.

Two of the passengers, including a six-year-old child, sustained life threatening injuries. The driver and another passenger sustained life changing injuries.

The weather consisted of rain showers and the road was wet, police added.

Witnesses should call Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 quoting log number 823 of 18/11/16.

The road was closed between the A358 Axminster junction and Honiton with diversions in place. It was reopened about 11.45am on Saturday.

Sgt Harry Tangye of Devon & Cornwall Police tweeted on Saturday as the situation was unfolding that there were 'several casualties - some serious'. He warned drivers to avoid the area.

He added that due to it being very dark at the scene, the police helicopter was out looking for other potential casualties.