Crystal Palace defender Pape Souaré in hospital after serious car crash

Crystal Palace footballer Pape Souaré is recovering in hospital following a serious car crash on the M4.

The club confirmed that the 26-year-old Senegalese left back suffered injuries to his thigh and jaw bone during the collision on Sunday.

In a statement on the club website, Crystal Palace said that Souaré would remain in hospital while he receives treatment.

"The club are liaising closely with the hospital on his progress and we obviously wish him a speedy recovery", the club said.

"Our thoughts are with Pape and his family at this time".

London Air Ambulance confirmed Souaré was taken to hospital by air following the crash near Heathrow at around 12.10pm.

Pictures also circulated on social media of a badly damaged Mercedes G63 at the scene, purportedly Souaré's vehicle.

London Fire Brigade posted on Twitter saying they had freed a man from the vehicle.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 motorway.

"Officers were called shortly before 12:10pm on 11 September to reports of two cars in collision between junctions four and three.

"London Ambulance Service attended and the driver of one of the cars - a man aged in his 20s - was taken to an east London hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life threatening".

The police added that the driver of the other car involved did not require hospital treatment.