TWO people have died following a crash involving a car and a van near Axminster.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the collision on the A358 Chard Road close to Tytherleigh at 3.30pm on Monday.

The crash involved a Citroën Xsara Picasso and a Ford Transit Luton van. The Citroën was heading towards Axminster and the van was traveling in the opposite direction.

A 44-year-old woman, driving the Citroën and a 17-year old passenger suffered fatal injuries and were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Two further passengers from the Citroën, including a four-year-old boy also suffered injuries and were both taken to hospital by air ambulance.

A spokesman from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “A 39-year-old woman remains in intensive care in Bristol and a four-year-old boy is currently at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precaution.

“The 38-year-old driver of the Ford Transit suffered minor injuries but has since been released from hospital.

“The Serious Collision Investigation Team are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any information to help police with their investigation.”