POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the deaths of a mother and daughter in a car accident at the weekend on the A30 at Whiddon Down.

The 47-year-mother and her 12-year-old daughter died when the vehicle they were in, a red Toyota Yaris, suddenly left the dual carriageway before careering down an embankment.

The accident happened around lunchtime on Saturday as the vehicle was heading along the A30 Exeter-bound, before the Cheriton Bishop turn off.

The woman who died was driving with her two daughters seated in the rear seats. She was declared dead at the scene while the 12-year-old sustained fatal injuries. Her other daughter, aged 14, was able to walk away from the vehicle with minor injuries but was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and kept under observation. 

The three were from the London area. Next of kin have been informed.

The carriageway was temporarily closed to allow landing of the Devon Air Ambulance and investigation into the accident.

Fire crews from Okehampton, Chagford, Exeter and Crediton arrived at the scene along with a specialist rescue vehicle from Exmouth.

The crews found two people trapped in the vehicle and used hydraulic cutting equipment, lines and a winch to release them.

Witnesses, including occupants of an Audi and Clio, who were directly behind the Toyota, stopped at the scene to give information to the emergency services. Police are now appealing to these people, and any other witness, to call 08452 777444, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting log 462 of 25/10/8.