A motorist who died in a road collision with an ambulance near Shrewsbury was today named as Keith Stonebanks.

The 50-year-old from the Upton Magna area, near Shrewsbury, died when his blue Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with an ambulance on the A458 at the Burntree crossroads, near Cross Houses.

The collision happened at about 10.45am on Saturday. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances and have renewed appeals for information.

A passing doctor stopped to help the driver of the car, a blue Nissan Micra, but despite his efforts and those of paramedics, the motorist was declared dead at the scene. The ambulance driver suffered slight injuries and shock.

The ambulance was taking a woman to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for a non-emergency medical case and was being driven under “normal road conditions” without the need for blue lights, ambulance service officials said.

Police today said the collision happened at about 10.45am and they believed the Nissan had travelled along an unclassified road from the direction of Condover towards the A458.

The patient in the ambulance was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury in another ambulance. Two staff travelling in the ambulance involved in the collision were also taken to hospital.

The A458 was closed in both directions before re-opening at about 4pm on Saturday.

Richard Topping, WMAS senior divisional commander, confirmed an internal investigation had been launched.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the families of all those involved in this tragic crash. We have launched an internal investigation to examine the circumstances of this incident. We are also co-operating fully with West Mercia Police.”

Constable Paul Bosley, the investigating officer, said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw the collision, or either vehicle being driven immediately beforehand, to contact me at Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000.

“I am also aware that several people stopped to assist but left the scene on seeing that paramedics were already there and urge them to get in touch as they may be able to assist the investigation.”