A SEVEN-year-old boy has been killed in a crash on the M4 in South Gloucestershire. 

Two air ambulances were scrambled to the westbound carriageway between junction 18 (Tormarton) and junction 19 (Bristol) at 1pm on Tuesday, March 26.

The serious collision involved a fully loaded lorry transporting hay bales and a small car - with five people inside sustaining injuries.

The rear of the car, a silver Volkswagen Polo, was crushed on impact.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a seven-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, Avon and Somerset Police say. 

Four other occupants of the car were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries aren't believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 1pm yesterday afternoon (26 March) to a report of a collision between a Scania lorry and a VW Polo on the westbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 18 and 19.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, tragically a 7-year-old boy died at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with his family and they continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer.

"Four other people, who were also in the car, were taken to hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. Two have since been discharged.

"No arrests have been made in connection with the investigation into the collision.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"If you saw the incident or have any dashcam footage which could help, please call 101 and quote reference 5224077629."