Warning after three fatal crashes

Motorists have been urged to drive safely by Surrey's chief fire officer following the death of three people in separate crashes on the same day.

A 50-year-old was killed in Holmwood, Dorking, a German man, aged 54, died in Smarts Heath and another driver was killed near Stoke Park on Tuesday.

Firefighters were called to the three crashes, which involved seven vehicles, between 0945 BST and 2200 BST.

Russell Pearson said: "These losses of life are such tragedies."

'Devastating impact'

He added: "My sincere sympathies go out the families and friends of the individuals.

"I do want to re-assure residents that such serious incidents are relatively uncommon when considering the number of vehicles on the roads... and it is extremely rare for three fatalities to occur in the same day.

"However, this is also indicative of the increased number of vehicle accidents we are now dealing with as a service - residents are now 20 times more likely to require our help at the scene of a road collision than fire."

Mr Pearson said: "We should all be mindful of the devastating impact of road traffic collisions and would urge all to take great care on the roads."

Officers investigating the three separate incidents have asked anyone with information to contact Surrey Police.