Five dead as cars crash

Two boys, aged four and seven, died after the Renault Megane in which they were passengers and a Ford Sierra collided at Buttermilk Lane, Shuttlewood, near Chesterfield.

The collision outside the Coalite factory on Saturday afternoon also claimed the lives of three people in the Sierra, all men in their early to mid-20s.

Police are investigating whether the Ford had been involved in a high-speed race with a motorcycle.

The boys' mother, who had been driving the Renault, and her 12-year-old nephew, are in hospital receiving treatment for what are understood to be non-life threatening injuries.

Superintendent Kevin Lea, of Derbyshire Police, said: "There may have been some form of racing between a trials-type motorbike and the Sierra as it went down towards where the crash happened.

"The officers who are dealing with it are saying that it's one of the worst they have dealt with, not only because children are involved but because of the extent of the damage caused and the number of casualties."

All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, where floral tributes have been left.

Electrician Russell Gallacher, who has worked at the Coalite site for 24 years said he heard screaming coming from the road.

The 40-year-old said: "I could tell there had been an accident. I could hear screaming and could see the traffic turning around.

"I went down and could see the Sierra in the trees on its side, and the driver of the Megane on the floor by the car. I walked towards the Sierra and I could see the driver because the sunroof had popped out, but the paramedics said they were all deceased.

"Then I went to try and comfort the passenger in the Megane while the paramedics treated the driver. It was obvious that the children had not survived."

Mr Gallacher said it had been a "horrific" sight and added: "Especially seeing the children. I am a trained first aider but it does not prepare you for something like that. I felt helpless - five of them were untreatable. It definitely shook me up."

Police say the victims, who are all thought to be from the Shuttlewood area, will not be named until all relatives have been informed.

They are appealing for witnesses.

A 17-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the collision and is helping police with their inquiries.

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