Three children and woman die in horror crash

A 45-year-old woman, 11-year-old boy, 11-year-old girl and 13-year old boy, all from Bedfordshire, died in the collision, which closed a section of the A34 in Berkshire for several hours yesterday. They are believed to have been travelling in the same car.

A 30-year-old man from Andover has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed until October 5, Thames Valley Police said.

South Yorkshire news round-up:

Thousands of Sheffield parents fined for taking children on term time holidaysReal ale campaigners are out to protect Sheffield's pubsTaxi fares set to rise under Sheffield black cap proposals'Ex-bad boy' helping the Sheffield Manor fight backExclusive: Sheffield Wednesday plot double swoop for Derby County pair Jeff Hendrick and Tom InceOfficers were called to a report of a collision on the northbound carriageway of the A34 between the East Ilsley and West Ilsley junctions shortly after 5.10pm.

A man with life-threatening injuries was flown by air ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains, while a man and teenage boy with minor injuries were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and have since been discharged.

Nine other people who were slightly hurt were treated at the scene following the accident.

The northbound carriageway, between Chieveley at junction 13 of the M4 and between the West Ilsley junction was closed until 6.30am on Thursday.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, head of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: "Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this tragedy.

"Can I ask anyone who witnessed the collision, including anyone travelling on the southbound carriageway who saw anything they believe is significant, to contact police."

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police inquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 1109 10/8.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Francis Habgood today expressed his shock following the fatal crash, posting on Twitter: "A truly awful accident on the A34 yesterday - my thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event."