POLICE today appealed for witnesses to a crash near Eynsham last night in which a man died.

Just after 11pm, a blue BMW 325 saloon travelling towards Eynsham along Lower Road, an unclassified road between Eynsham and Church Hanborough, left the road and collided with a tree.

Police said the driver, a man in his forties, died as a result of his injuries.

A female passenger suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

PC Dave Mitchell, based at Bicester traffic base, said: "We would like to hear from anyone that may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision or witnessed the collision itself, as they may be able to provide information that will help with our enquiries."

Anyone who witnessed the crash should contact PC Mitchell via 0845 8 505 505, or if you do not want to talk to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The fatality brings the road deaths total for the county to a total of 59 - 19 more than the total for last year.