Appeal over fatal M40 hit-and-run

The van crashed rolled down the embankment and ended up in a ditch

Police are trying to trace three key witnesses who comforted victims in a hit-and-run collision on the M40 in Oxfordshire which left a man dead.

Ross Shears, 29, was killed when a white van hit his Ford Fiesta, left the carriageway and went into a field between junctions six and seven.

The Fiesta overturned, trapping three people inside. Mr Shears died later.

Those in the van ran off after the incident, which happened between Milton Common and Lewknor.

The victim, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was pronounced dead at hospital.

Officers say they want to speak to a white man with a South African accent - and a couple who comforted the victims. The woman is possibly called Leila.

Sgt Jack Hawkins, said: "It has nearly been five months since the collision happened and we are continuing to investigate every avenue to find out what happened and establish the surrounding circumstances."

The first person to help out was described as white, about 40 years old, medium to stocky build, about 5ft 8ins (1.73m), tanned with short, spiky dark hair.

Police said he was wearing glasses and had a foreign accent that has been described as South African and was wearing New Zealand rugby shirt.

The woman in the couple is thought to be called Leila and police believe that she could work in a hair salon in London.

Sgt Hawkins added: "We want to trace these people and I urge anyone who recognises these descriptions to contact me."