AN appeal has been launched after a man was left 'critically' injured and a horse was killed in a crash near Ombersley.

Two vehicles, a Vauxhall Astra and a Vauxhall Vivaro van, were involved in the crash on the A449 between the Mitre Oak island and Crossways Green at 11.40pm on Sunday (October 14).

The horse, which was out on the road and involved in the crash, died at the scene.

The driver of the Vauxhall Astra, a man in his 30s, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

It is believed that around five horses were seen walking along this stretch of the A449 before the collision.

PC Owen Atwell from West Mercia Police said: "Enquiries are ongoing as we try to establish the circumstances surrounding this collision.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the horses on the A449 on Sunday or who may have witnessed the collision."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 742s of October 14.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.