Michael Thornton died after Land Rover plunged into Rooksbridge rhyne

A man died after a Land Rover Discovery plunged into a rhyne beside a Somerset country road and landed on its roof.

Two of the three people inside escaped without serious injury, but Michael Thornton, 30, who was treated at the scene, died later. He is understood to be from the East Brent area.

Steve and Carol Thornton beside the rhyne where their son Michael was fatally injured after the Land Rover he was in crashed

Police were called to reports of the incident, in Pill Road, Rooksbridge, near East Huntspill at 1.40am yesterday. They are appealing for witnesses.

Mr Thornton’s grieving parents, Steve and Carol, visited the scene yesterday morning. Speaking briefly, Mr Thornton said: “It is a sad loss for his family and friends.”

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He urged motorists to take care when driving, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. Many unlit country roads on the Somerset Levels are lined by ditches that, in winter, are often full of water and make night-time driving hazardous.

Even in the daytime the ditches can present dangers. Three years ago an elderly man died when the car in which he was a passenger veered into a ditch after a collision with another car on an icy road near Glastonbury.

Police said a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, and has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Avon and Somerset Police's collision investigation unit wants to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or may have seen a Land Rover Discovery.

If you can help contact the CIU on the force number 101 or online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.