Man dies following serious collision on the Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe

A man has passed away following a serious collision on the Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe last night (Thursday 6 July).

Emergency services were called just before midnight with a report that a Volkswagen Passat had collided with a tree near to The Dower House.

A passenger of the car, a man in his 50s and from Swindon, sustained serious injuries and passed away at the scene. His next of kin is aware.

A woman in her 20s, who is also from Swindon and was a passenger of the car, was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

The driver of the car, a man in his 40s and from Swindon, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He remains in police custody at this time.

Road closures remains in place at the junction for the B4070 Witcombe Hill and at the bottom of Old Birdlip Hill. These are expected to remain throughout the day while a collision investigation continues. 

Investigating officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision and has not already spoken to police or who has dashcam footage they feel may be relevant.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 563 of 6 July: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/