TWO people who had just escaped from a car crash were killed when trying to cross the M40 on Saturday night.

Police were called to the motorway at around 10.30pm after reports of accidents blocking both carriageways between junctions three and four, at High Wycombe.

Four cars were involved in the incident which caused the motorway to be closed over-night.

Two people, who had been travelling in a grey Honda Civic, were involved in a collision with another vehicle and the central reservation on the north bound carriageway moments before they died.

Police believe the two people, who have not been formally identified yet, were attempting to cross the road and were run over on the south bound carriageway.

PC Andy Smith said: "I would urge anyone travelling on that section of the motorway between 10pm and 10.30pm, who thinks they have witnessed the collision, to contact police."

Both sides of the M40 were reopened at around 5am on Sunday morning.

A spokesman for the AA advised people who have been in a crash to stay with their vehicle or in the central reservation, if it is safe to do so.

He said: "If the traffic is heavy, busy and fast moving it is safer to stay in the central reservation until the emergency services come to rescue you.

"One problem is judging the speed of traffic. You may be able to judge when it is safe to cross one or two lanes but the third one could be a problem."

He added: "Stay in the central reservation if it is safe to stand there."

Contact police with any information on 0845 8505 505