A 17-year-old girl has died and a teenage boy is fighting for his life in hospital after the car they were travelling in crashed on the A34 near Oxford early today.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident on the southbound carriageway, between the Pear Tree and Botley interchanges, when the car — a silver Toyota Yaris carrying four people — left the road and went into a wooded area.

The accident happened shortly after 4.15am opposite the Wytham turn. The road was closed until 10am while police accident investigators examined the scene.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Claire Gourlay said a 17-year-old girl died from her injuries.

She said the girl driving the car and two other passengers, a girl and a boy, were also teenagers from Oxfordshire.

They were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington. Ms Gourlay said the boy was in a critical condition.

Pc Sandra Terry said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the car prior to this incident, or witnessed the collision itself.”

Anyone with any information should call Pc Terry on 08458 505505.