TWO men died and another was seriously injured after a car left the road and collided with a tree on the B4450 road between Churchill and Chipping Norton last night.

The accident happened about 7.45pm when the blue Rover 214 was travelling from Churchill.

The 28-year-old driver from Witney was pronounced dead at the scene. His two passengers were both thrown from the car. One of them, a 23-year-old, also from Witney, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

The third man, said to be in his 20s and from Chipping Norton, was taken to hospital in Oxford where his condition was described as serious but stable.

The road was closed until 1am today as traffic officers began an investigation into the cause of the crash.

PC Roger Marshall from Bicester Roads Policing Department said: "I am appealing to anyone who saw a blue Rover 214 travelling in the vicinity of the Churchill or Chipping Norton area around the time in question or anyone who witnessed the collision to contact me as soon as possible.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 08458 505 505./