TWO people who were killed in a serious crash on the A358 have been named.

Toni Sloman, 44, and her 17-year-old niece, Micha Sloman were declared dead at the scene after a crash on Chard Road, near Tytherleigh, involving a Citroën Xsara Picasso and a Ford Transit Luton van.

Two other passengers from the Citroën were also taken to hospital in an air ambulance.

One, a 39-year-old woman, who was left fighting for her life following the smash, but has now been taken out of intensive care.

The other, a four-year-old child, was taken to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged.

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

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Emergency services were called following reports of a collision on the A358 Chard Road near Tytherleigh, just outside Axminster at 3.30pm on Monday, October 17.

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

"As a result of the collision, the 44-year-old female driver of the Citroën and a 17-year-old passenger both suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Two further passengers from the Citroën also suffered injuries and were both taken to hospital by air ambulance.

"A 39-year-old woman who was also injured and taken to hospital is now out of intensive care.

"A four-year-old child was also taken to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged.

"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.

"Please contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting log number 438 for October 17."