A DRIVER in his early 20s died in an horrific smash with a van near Bicester yesterday.

Neil Ian St John Beasley, 31, of Herald Way, Bicester, was travelling alone in his Metro on the B4011 towards Bicester, when it was in collision with a 7 tonne Mercedes van, which was driving in the opposite direction.

The accident happened at 4.20pm near Ambrosden.

A fire crew fought for more than 20 minutes to cut the Mr Beasley free from the wreckage of the car but he was certified dead at the scene.

Van driver, Andrew Stone, 26, of Lewknor, near Thame, suffered shock, but was not injured.

The B4011 is a busy country road, used as a short cut between Bicester and Thame.

A spokesman for Bicester Traffic Police said conditions were wet when the accident occurred. Officers are appealing for witnesses.

The road was closed for five hours.

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