The victims of a fatal collision on the A491 have been named by police.

Motorcyclist Christopher Shaughnessy, aged 30, from Ludlow, and his pillion passenger, Deborah Barnett, aged 26, from Stourport, died after the bike was in collision with an articulated lorry at around 2.05pm on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened near the notorious Clent junction.

The driver of the articulated lorry was taken to Redditch's Alexandra Hospital suffering from shock.

Insp Steve Craig, from Kidderminster police, told the Advertiser/Messenger: "The accident occurred at a junction which is a notorious accident site and two people have been killed."

Air ambulance, police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene and the road was closed between the Fairfield and Hagley islands till 5.30pm.

This latest fatal accident is one of many to have occurred on the notorious road during the last three years - there have been 50 casualties, and following Tuesday's crash, five deaths.

Two years ago, Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove put forward a £100,000 scheme to close off rights turns along the dual carriageway, including the one at Clent.

Scores of residents and businesses objected to the scheme and the A491 - What Price Lives? committee was formed to oppose the scheme and instead called for two roundabouts to be installed.

A two-day public inquiry is due to take place next month when an independent Government officer will make a final decision on the partnership's plan.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Kidderminster police on (01562) 820888.