Both the driver and passenger, believed to be in their early twenties, were pronounced dead at the scene.

They were travelling in a black VW Golf GT TDi car which lost control and left the road, hitting several trees before coming to rest on the verge.

The two men, who have yet to be formally identified, are believed to come from the north Shropshire area.

Sergeant Nigel Webster, the senior investigating officer, said: “It happened on the A442 about 200 metres Hodnet side of Peplow crossroads. The main road was closed while the emergency services worked at the scene overnight and is expected to open later this morning.

“Several witnesses have already assisted the police but we are appealing to anyone else who was travelling this stretch of the A442 at around 10.30pm last night who either saw the collision or the circumstances leading up to it, to please contact Shrewsbury police station on 101 as a matter of urgency.”

He said the Golf was travelling towards Hodnet and is thought to have overtaken another vehicle just before it lost control approaching Peplow crossroads.

“We believe that while overtaking, an unidentified vehicle travelling in the opposite direction has appeared, possibly causing the Golf to swerve. The driver of the oncoming vehicle may not be aware a collision took place.

“The driver will almost certainly be able to assist with the investigation into the circumstances and I would urge them to contact Shrewsbury police station.”

A report is being prepared for the Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery and an inquest will be opened in due course.