Three people have died after a car collided with a lorry and caught fire.

The Subara Impreza was travelling westbound on the A406 Bowes Road, part of the North Circular in London, when it hit the central reservation near the junction with Natal Road at around 12.30am on Monday, the Metropolitan police said. It then hit a lorry travelling in the opposite direction before bursting into flames.

A second car, a Vauxhall Astra, was also involved in the crash and two men were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The lorry driver sustained minor injuries.

Investigators are examining the scene and both lanes of the North Circular are closed. Police said the road would remain closed for the morning rush-hour and advised drivers to take alternative routes.