Man, 31, dies in car crash

A 31-year-old man has been killed in a car crash in Shropshire. Carl Birch was pronounced dead at the scene in Moss Lane, Whixall, yesterday.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The two men had been travelling in a dark grey MG hatchback vehicle which left the road and overturned.

The man who was arrested suffered minor injuries.

Inspector John Payton, of West Mercia Police, said Mr Birch was from the north Shropshire area. He appealed for anyone who saw the crash to get in touch.

He said: "We are appealing for witnesses to a fatal road traffic collision near Whixall Moss.

"At around 5.40pm yesterday the emergency services were called to an unclassified road near to Dobsons Bridge.

"A dark grey MG hatchback car with two occupants had left the road and overturned.

"Carl Birch, a 31-year-old man local to north Shropshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may help inquiries.

"Please contact PC 706 Warren Rutter at Market Drayton police station on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

Fire crews from Prees and Wem were called to the scene of the crash, along with a rescue tender from Wellington and the incident commander from Shrewsbury.

Sub Officer Tony Peck from Prees fire station said crews spent over an hour at the scene and made the vehicle safe. He said: "It was just one vehicle. It was actually on its roof down Moss Lane by Dobsons Bridge in Whixall. Obviously the ambulance and police were there.

"We were there for about an hour, an hour and a half. The lads from Wem appliance were first there."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Warren Rutter at Market Drayton police station on 08457 444888 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 08457 444888.