POLICE have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after three people were killed in a crash on the A303 Ilminster bypass.

Police, fire crews and the ambulance service all rushed to the scene of the crash near Whitelackington at around 3.30pm on Thursday, August 15.

Officers investigating the crash are appealing to any motorists in the area at the time of the collision to come forward with information or dashcam footage. The crash involved a Skoda Yeti and a van.

Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “We are appealing for any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to please come forward.

“The collision occurred on the A303, close to the village of Whitelackington.

“The Skoda was travelling westbound, with the van heading in the opposite direction.

“Two men, aged in their 40s and 70s, plus a woman, in her 60s, were occupants in the Skoda. Sadly they all were pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Their next of kin has been informed and our thoughts are with them. They will be supported by a specially-trained family liaison officer.”

The two occupants of the van were taken to hospital, and one of them is understood to have sustained a serious injury.

The A303 was shut in both directions between Southfields and South Petherton for a number of hours to enable emergency services to respond and to carry out collision investigation work at the scene.

Anyone who can assist is asked to call 101 or contact Avon and Somerset Police online quoting reference number 5224215067.