Wiltshire Police have issued a warning to drivers after two serious crashes overnight.

Police call handlers received a “significant number of calls” about black ice collisions on the night of Monday, January 16.

This included a two-vehicle crash at Yatton Keynell near Chippenham where a 34-year-old man died at the scene after a collision with a CRV.

Less than two hours earlier police had been called to another two-vehicle smash, this time in Berwick St Leonard. A woman was taken to hospital by air ambulance in a serious condition after a vehicle flipped onto its side.

Other incidents were reported at Sandridge Common near Melksham, the A432 at Wedhampton, the A350 at Kington Langley and the A361 at Seend, which remained closed this morning.

Police have since warned motorists to take care and be mindful of the treacherous conditions on many of the county’s A and B roads, as well as country lanes that have not been gritted.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers have been dealing with two serious collisions on Wiltshire's roads this evening following reports of black ice across the county.

“Our control room is continuing to receive multiple reports of black ice across the county and driving conditions are difficult.

“Emergency services are extremely busy dealing with these incidents. Please consider whether your journey is essential. If so, please take extra care and be mindful of these weather conditions.”

The fire service has also been busy dealing with accidents related to icy roads. At 7.33pm on Monday night they confirmed that they were attending eight road traffic collisions and urged road users to exercise caution.

On the morning of Tuesday, December 17 they issued a further warning to commuters.

In a tweet, the fire service said: “We expect icy conditions as the weather turns colder. Please take extra care this morning. Defrost your vehicle thoroughly before setting off, watch out for icy pavements and walkways and don't drive through standing floodwater.”

Wiltshire Council added: “If you’re heading out today, please take extra care on the roads. Our gritting teams have been out all night but surface water on the roads is likely to freeze.

“Please drive extremely carefully, assuming that there is ice present, even on treated roads.”

One area of particular concern is Preston Lane in Lyneham. On motorist warned: “It is lethal because of the major water leak with torrents of running water between Pintail and Argosy Close.”