POLICE are appealing for help from motorists who saw the caravan crash that led to the closure of the A34 near Whitchurch.

Officers were called at 3.42pm yesterday to a report of a crash between three vehicles and a caravan on both the northbound and southbound carriageways, between Bullington Cross and Burghclere.

Police said a silver Daewoo Musso 4x4, towing a caravan, was travelling northbound towards Newbury when it lost control.

The car and caravan crossed the central reservation on to the southbound carriageway, separating and then colliding with two cars travelling in the opposite direction.

A 76-year-old man and his 70-year-old wife, both from Southampton, travelling in a blue Vauxhall Astra, suffered serious injuries, and were taken from the scene by land ambulance.

A 30-year-old woman from Bath and a two-year-old child, both travelling in the Daewoo, received injuries and were airlifted from the scene. Police said the child received serious injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening.

PC Andy Christopher said: “This was a serious incident and our thoughts are with those injured and their families at this time.

“I’d like to thank those caught up in the delays for their patience whilst we were on scene with our emergency service partners and carried out our crime scene investigation.”

The A34 remained closed for around four hours for the crash investigation and for carriageway repairs.

Anyone with information on the crash can contact Sergeant Barry Long from the Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting Operation Loring.