POLICE have paid tribute to the actions taken by members of the public following a serious collision on the A386 just outside Mary Tavy on Saturday.

The collision involved four vehicles — an Audi A6, Vauxhall Astra, Audi A4 and Vauxhall Insignia — and saw the busy main road being closed for almost 12 hours.

Fire crews from Tavistock, Yelverton and Okehampton attended the scene and used hydraulic rescue equipment to release people who were trapped inside their vehicles.

The driver of the A6 was taken to Derriford Hospital via air ambulance with life-threatening injuries. A woman passenger and two children in the car were taken to hospital via land ambulance.

The male driver of the A4 suffered minor injury while a female passenger in the car suffered arm and leg injuries and as the Times went to press, still remained in hospital in intensive care.

The male driver of the Insignia suffered minor injuries. The female driver of the Astra was not injured.

But the heartfelt actions by members of the public shown to the people involved in the collision sparked a tribute from police who attended the incident.

Tavistock Sgt Dave Anning said: 'I want to give a big thank you to the driver of a bus which was on its way to Mary Tavy. The driver took in the two children of one car into the bus and also the driver of the Astra and her dog.

'Several other witnesses and members of the public and passers-by were also very helpful which was so nice to see.

'One person even took the driver of the Astra back to her home.'

Police believe the collision was caused by two cars on either side of the A386 having a side-on collision. The incident is now under investigation.

The road was closed while a specialist forensic investigation took place at the scene and the vehicles were recovered.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of the collision at the time to call police on 101 quoting reference 319 of February 7.

A spokesperson for Yelverton Fire Station said: 'We don't know what caused the accident but there are seasonal hazards drivers should be aware of.

'At this time of year the sun is very low and can be blinding on a clear day when driving toward it.

'Roads that appear dry and safe on a cold sunny day in the winter can be deceptive. Sections of roads that don't get direct sunlight can still be icy even when the temperature in the sun seems quite warm.'