Four men in 20s killed in 2am car crash after smashing into lamppost – with fifth passenger rushed to hospital and 11 roads forced shut in huge emergency response

Four men in their 20s have died after a car crashed into a lamppost in the early hours of Friday.  

Police have launched a huge emergency response after the black Seat Cupra veered off the road and crashed just before 2am in the Huyton area of Merseyside.

Two 23-year-old men and two men, aged 24 and 26, were tragically pronounced dead at the scene and their next of kin have been informed.

A fifth man, 27, who was a passenger inside the car, was rushed to hospital and remains in a stable condition.

The incident has sparked travel chaos with police forced to shut 11 roads, while there is a temporary flight restriction zone, specifically affecting drones, in place above the scene.

Shocking pictures show debris scattered across the Liverpool Road, with multiple forensic tents also set up in a large police cordon.

The police have warned that closures are likely to remain in place over the coming weekend. 

The next of kin of those who have died have been notified and are being helped by specialist officers.

A large police presence remains in place at the site of the crash. The tragic incident happened at just before 2am when the black Seat Cupra came off the road and collided with lamppost in the Huyton area of Merseyside

The cordoned off scene following the crash. Merseyside Police have shut part of Liverpool Road while they carry out an investigation. The force has warned that closures are likely to remain in place over the coming weekend

Superintendent Paul Holden said: ‘First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the four men who sadly lost their lives. Their families have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers.’ 

He continued: ‘This is a truly devastating moment for their families and loved ones, and it is now our priority to get answers for them on how the collision occurred.

‘We know this happened very early this morning, but if anyone saw what happened or were driving through the area just before the incident occurred then please get in touch. 

‘Similarly, if you live in the area and have doorbell footage of the black Seat Cupra or the incident itself, please contact us. You may have information or footage that would be useful to our investigation.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.