Fresh appeal after M40 fatal crash

THE police have released further information about the fatal collision over the weekend as they re-appeal for witnesses.
At 5.30pm on Saturday (12/7), a blue Ford Fiesta and white, long wheel base, high top Ford Transit van, registration KN03 YRR, collided between junctions seven to six, between Milton Common and Lewknor. Both vehicles left the carriageway went down the embankment and into a field.

The Fiesta overturned, trapping the three people inside. A 63-year-old male driver, and a female passenger, aged 65, were both airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital. The man was released on Sunday while the woman remains in hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Another passenger in the Ford Fiesta, Ross Shears, a 29-year-old man from Crowborough, East Sussex, was also taken to hospital but pronounced dead at hospital.

The occupant or occupants of the van left the scene of the collision before emergency services arrived.

Insp Mary Chapman, from Bicester Roads Policing department, said: ?I am appealing for anyone to come forward who was driving along the M40 early Saturday evening and possibly witnessed the collision. Did you see it take place or perhaps events leading up to it? Your information could prove vital to our enquiries.?

Two people were arrested near to the collision scene on Saturday (12/7).

A 24-year-old man, of no fixed address, who was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, drink driving, fail to stop, driving whilst disqualified and possession of Class A drugs, has been released on bail pending further investigation.

A 25-year-old woman, from Oxford, who was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, failing to stop and theft is currently in police custody.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information can contact Insp Chapman or Sgt Jack Hawkins via the Thames Valley Police 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505.

If you do not want to talk to the police, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.