POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a three-car smash which left two people dead and two more in hospital with serious injuries.

A couple from Stoke-on-Trent were confirmed dead at the scene of the crash on the A523 at Cook's Hollow, in Bottomhouses.

Emergency crews from Leek and Longton were drafted in to rescue casualties.

It is believed the accident happened as one of the drivers fell ill at the wheel.

Inspector Mike Harding, of Staffordshire Police, said: "The couple from the Stoke-on-Trent area who were travelling in a red Fiat Punto were declared deceased at the scene.

"The two occupants of a silver Renault Kangoo, from the Leek area, were taken to hospital by air ambulance. Their condition is described as serious but stable.

"A third vehicle, a Skoda Octavia, also sustained minor damage but the occupant was unharmed."

The crash happened at about 2.45pm on Saturday.

The road was closed for more than five hours as police examined the scene.

Farmer Steven Edwards, of Millstones Farm, near the accident, said: "There are a lot of crashes along this stretch caused by speed or impatient drivers reacting to slow moving vehicles on a rural road.

"But this was different. I was told one of the people involved had a health problem and it was a head-on crash.

"I don't think there is any indication of excessive speed by anyone. It was a genuinely unfortunate and an unpleasant accident."

He said the emergency services were at the scene promptly.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The man and a woman occupants of one vehicle were immediately assessed and unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save them.

"The second car also carried a man and a woman, both believed to be in their 60s, who were treated at the scene for multiple injuries.

"The woman passenger was treated for chest and pelvic injuries, and given pain relief.

"The male driver was trapped in the vehicle. With the assistance of the fire service he was freed and treated for injuries to both legs, his wrist and pelvis."

Both casualties were airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire where they remained last night in a serious but stable condition.

Staffordshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the collision or any of the vehicles immediately beforehand to come forward.

They can contact PC 5242 David Stubbs, at Leek Police Station, by calling 101 quoting incident VDU 0473.