Teenage victims were rear seat passengers in same car

Police have confirmed that both 17-year-old boys who died in a crash in North Yorkshire were rear seat passengers in the same car.

They've been named locally as Mason Pearson and George Turner, both from Thirsk. The pair were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Another two youths in the same vehicle, aged 18 and 17, are in a critical condition in hospital. The 22-year-old driver of the VW Bora is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident occurred on the A61 between Busby Stoop and Carlton Miniott at around 9.25pm last night (March 7th) and police now say two cars were involved, not three as initially stated.

They were the green VW Bora and a black Ford Focus that was heading in the opposite direction towards Thirsk. The driver of the Ford Focus, a 27-year-old man from outside the area, was discharged from hospital following treatment.

His passenger, a 24-year-old woman, is receiving treatment and a three-year-old girl and a six-month old boy have also been kept in hospital for observations as a precaution.

Seven land ambulances, an air ambulance and coastguard rescue helicopter attended, along with police and fire crews.

Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone who can help to come forward to assist the investigation, including witnesses to the actual collision, anyone who recalls seeing any of the vehicles involved prior to the incident, and anyone who may have dash-cam footage that could help with enquiries