A TRAGIC accident which led to the death of two young women has been described as 'a dreadful shock to the community.'

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has told how her thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected by a fatal crash last night.

Two 18-year-old girls died, one is fighting for life and a man, 51, is in hospital after a collision on the A595 near Bootle.

The collision, which happened at 7.55pm on Friday, involved a green Toyota Yaris travelling from the Millom direction, and a white Ford Transit Connect van travelling in the opposite direction.

Mrs Harrison said: “It's a dreadful shock to our community and a desperately sad day with the loss of two bright, beautiful, and ambitious young women.

“It is important that their personalities are remembered. Millom is a close knit community, shocked and saddened, but I know the whole town will rally round and support the families and friends.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends and the two in hospital, and hopefully they make a full, quick recovery.

“Thanks must go to the emergency services once again for their quick response to the accident and the air ambulance which was used to take the two injured to hospitals across the country.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or email 101@cumbria.police.uk.