A TEENAGER from Bishop's Frome died on Tuesday at Hereford County Hospital after a car crash.

Ryan Phillips, aged 18, was rushed to hospital after the car he was driving hit a telegraph pole at about 1am last Sunday.

Mr Phillips, a former pupil at John Masefield High School, in Ledbury, was driving a red VW Golf on the B4214 just north of Bishop's Frome when it left the road.

Firefighters from Bromyard used heavy cutting equipment to free him from the wreckage.

"We realised we had to get him out very quickly to let the paramedics do their work," said Neville Turner, of Bromyard Fire Station. "The car was intertwined around the post."

All three emergency services attended and the road was closed for five hours to allow police to investigate.

A post-mortem examination is likely to be carried out early next week and an inquest is likely to be opened and adjourned shortly afterwards.

Mr Phillips's father, Geoffrey Phillips, has recently retired from the fire service.

Andy Evans, headmaster of John Masefield High School, said: "Ryan left the school two years ago. He was a popular lad and had many friends.

"We are devastated by his death. Our thoughts are with Ryan's family."

Police want to hear from anyone who saw the accident.

Witnesses should contact PC Simon Lantos on 08457 444888.