What started as a routine late-night drive ended in tragedy on the M40—and now police are searching for four people who ran from the scene.
A young man has lost his life, another is seriously injured, and investigators are urgently appealing to the public for help in piecing together what happened.
High-Speed Collision Claims Life of 27-Year-Old Driver
The crash happened around 1:15am near Junction 2 of the M40, close to Beaconsfield services.
A 27-year-old man from High Wycombe, driving a black Volkswagen Golf, died from his injuries following a violent collision with a blue Mercedes AMG C250.
His passenger, also in his twenties, survived but is currently in hospital with serious injuries that, thankfully, aren’t believed to be life-threatening.
Mercedes Driver Arrested But Others Are Still on the Run
Police say that both vehicles were heading north when the crash occurred near the slip road.
Following the collision, four people—two men and two women—fled the scene on foot from the Mercedes, leaving chaos behind.
One man, 26, from Beaconsfield, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and for having a bladed weapon or pointed object in public.
He remains in custody as investigations continue.
Witnesses Say Mercedes Was Driving Dangerously
Thames Valley Police believe the Mercedes was being driven “erratically” before the crash, according to early witness statements.
Officers are urging anyone who may have seen the vehicles before the crash, or who witnessed the incident itself, to come forward.
Investigators Appeal for Dash-Cam Footage and Witnesses
Detective Sergeant Edward Crofts from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit expressed deep sympathy for the victim’s family, who are now being supported by specially trained officers.
“This was a tragic incident,” he said. “We’re working hard to identify and locate the four individuals who fled the scene.
We’re appealing to anyone who was driving along that stretch of the M40 early this morning—especially those with dash-cam footage—to contact us.”
He specifically asked for any footage or sightings of the Golf or the Mercedes leading up to the crash, especially if the Mercedes appeared to be speeding or swerving erratically.
How to Contact the Police or Report Information Anonymously
Anyone who might have helpful information can reach out to Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101 and quoting reference number 43250349522.
For those who prefer to stay anonymous, tips can also be shared with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.