McLaren employees killed in crash

TWO MCLAREN EMPLOYEES were killed when the sports car they were travelling in crashed near to the Formula 1 giant's technology centre.

The staff members, who were in a blue Subaru Impreza, were pronounced dead at the scene following a collision with a Ford Transit van on the A320 in Ottershaw, Surrey, at 12.10pm yesterday.

A man in his 60s who was driving the van was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting with serious injuries, Surrey Police said.

McLaren confirmed that the two staff worked for McLaren Automotive which produces road cars and is based at the same site as the McLaren Formula 1 team.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer of McLaren Automotive, said: "We have been informed that we have sadly lost two hard working and extremely well-liked employees of McLaren Automotive.

"They will be sorely missed by their friends and colleagues and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families."

Surrey Police said the road was closed for several hours between the McLaren roundabout to the Otter roundabout while emergency services were in attendance and investigations were carried out.

A force spokesman said: "Officers are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who may have seen the incident, or the events surrounding it, is urged to contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency."

By Ruth Lumley, Press Association