Floral tributes in Liskeard after three killed in crash

Two men, aged 18 and 30, and a 16-year-old boy died at the scene

Floral tributes have been laid in Liskeard after three people died when a car crashed and burst into flames.

The crash, on the A390 between Merrymeet and St Ive, in Cornwall, happened at about 23:50 BST on Tuesday.

Two men, aged 18 and 30, and a 16-year-old boy died at the scene, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Two boys and two girls, from Liskeard, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They have since been released on police bail.

Liskeard Mayor Simon Cassidy said the crash was "heartbreaking"

The force said it had seized a silver Audi, which investigators believe was travelling with a grey or black BMW M135i - the car that crashed and caught fire.

Officers believe the BMW was in the Kit Hill area at about 22:00 before it travelled through Callington along Tavistock Road and crossed the junction with the A388.

The car then joined the A390 and continued until the crash near St Ive, police said.

Sgt Tina Green, from the Bodmin Serious Collision Investigation Team, urged witnesses who saw either the Audi or BMW to contact police.

"We do believe that there were a number of vehicles travelling in both directions on the A390 which would have seen the BMW and/or Audi heading in the direction of Liskeard," she said.

'Absolute tragedy'

The four teenagers arrested by police have since been released on bail until July, officers said.

The water fountain on The Parade in Liskeard town centre has been dedicated for people to lay flowers and pay tribute.

Mayor of Liskeard Simon Cassidy said the tight-knit town was "pulling together" after the tragedy.

"It's devastating for the community and many people are heartbroken across Liskeard," he said.

"It's an absolute tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, including the emergency services, who have had to deal with this.

"What we need to do is come together and pull together [as a town]."

The incident on the A390 was reported shortly before midnight on Tuesday

Liskeard School and Community College said it was supporting all those affected by the crash.

'Shocked and upset'

"The school would like to express sympathy and condolences to all those affected by this incident and recognise that there will be students, families and staff connected to the school who will be shocked and upset," it said in a statement.

"Pastoral staff and bereavement counsellors will be available in designated spaces in the school today and in the days and weeks to come."

Insp David Ratcliff, from Liskeard police station, said there would be additional patrols in the town to help reassure residents.

"Understandably this incident, which involves a number of young people from the Liskeard area, will have had an impact on the local community," he said.

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