A woman and two children were also seriously hurt in the collision between two vehicles near Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, shortly after 4pm on Friday.

Three of the four teenagers, who had been travelling in a Ford Fiesta, were airlifted to hospital, while a fourth was taken by road.

The people in the other car, a Fiat 500, were also taken to hospital.

Separately, a man who collapsed at the scene due to a medical condition received treatment before being released.

An investigation has been launched by police into the accident, which happened on the B4035 Campden Road close to a crossroads with Fosse Way.

An appeal has been made for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage.

Sergeant Gary Bridgwater of the Warwickshire force said: "Our thoughts remain with those who have been injured.

"The next of kin of those involved have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics arriving at the scene, found two cars with "very significant damage".

A spokesman said: "There were four teenagers in the first car - three men and a woman - who were all left with life threatening injuries."

They all received advanced trauma care before being taken to hospital.

He added: "There was a woman and two children (one boy and one girl) in the second car.

"All three were taken to the John Radcliffe (hospital) by ambulance with serious injuries."