A HEAD-on smash between a car and van has left a woman fighting for her life in hospital.

The crash happened yesterday morning on the B4027 between Stanton St John and Islip, just outside Oxford, between a green Mazda MX5 and a grey Renault Master van. 

South Central Ambulance Service said it received several 999 calls at 10.55am, and sent three ambulances, a rapid response paramedic and an air ambulance to the scene.

Spokesman David Gallagher said a man and a 45-year-old woman, who were both in the Mazda, suffered serious injuries and the woman's were 'potentially life-threatening'.

He said she was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital's Major Trauma Unit while the man and the van driver, who sustained minor injuries, were taken to the same hospital by road.

Thames Valley Police has appealed for witnesses of the crash and said anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference number 487 5/7.