A MAN has been arrested following a crash which killed two teenagers in North Yorkshire.

The collision occurred on the A61 between Busby Stoop and Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, at around 9.25pm on Wednesday.

Police said it involved a green VW Bora and a black Ford Focus that was heading in the opposite direction towards Thirsk.

Two 17-year-old boys, rear seat passengers in the VW Bora, were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. They have been named locally as George Turner and Mason Pearson. 

Another two passengers in the same car, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, remain in a critical condition in hospital, police added.

Police have confirmed the driver of the VW Bora, a 22-year-old local man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released on police bail while inquiries continue.

The driver of the Ford Focus, a 27-year-old man from outside the area, was discharged from hospital following treatment, police said.

Police also said a passenger in the car, a 24-year-old woman, is receiving treatment at hospital, and a three-year-old girl and a six-month old boy have also been kept in hospital for observations as a precaution.

Following the crash, Inspector Dave Barf from North Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Group, commented: “A 22-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and released on police bail while inquiries continue.

“The circumstances of the terrible collision which occurred on March 7 in which two young men lost their lives and others have been seriously injured, has inevitably been the subject of much comment and speculation on social media.

“The irresponsible spreading of information, which potentially has no basis in fact and may seriously prejudice the investigation, must be avoided.

“Anyone with information should contact the police and not commit it to social networks, where it only serves to cause additional distress to the families concerned and frustrate the investigation.”

Police are continuing to appeal for people to come forward to assist the investigation, including witnesses to the actual collision, anyone who recalls seeing any of the cars involved prior to the crash, and anyone who may have dash-cam footage that could help with inquiries.

Anyone who can help should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for the Major Collision Investigation Team or email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Quote reference number 12180039673.