At just after 2am, a Ford Ranger 4—4 pick up was discovered after it had collided with a tree on the A495. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

He was Cary Jo Evans, aged 23, who lived in the Talbot Street area of Ellesmere but who was originally from Telford.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Sgt Darren Heyes said: “No other vehicle appears to have been involved in this collision, which occurred on the A495 between Newton, near Welshampton, and the Ellesmere junction on the A528.

“We would like to appeal for information, if you were driving along the A495 during the early hours of New Year’s Day and saw this Ford Ranger or even the crash itself, then we would very much like to speak to you.

“There is a period between midnight and 2am when we are unclear of Cary’s whereabouts, so if anyone saw him or the Ranger in the Ellesmere area that night, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Heyes via the via the West Mercia Police non-emergency number, 0300 333 3000. You can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.