TWO parents and their children, aged one and three, have died following a crash in the Highlands.

The collision involving a Mini Cooper and a Ford Fiesta happened on the A82 by Hillfarm, Torlundy, at around 5.30pm on Thursday.

Police said a 26-year-old woman, a 25-year-old man and two girls aged one and three who were in the Mini Cooper were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta, a 56-year-old woman, was taken to Belford Hospital, Fort William, with injuries described as serious but non-life threatening.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said: "Inquiries are continuing into the incident and I would ask anyone with information or dashcam footage who has not yet come forward to please get in touch."

The A82 was closed for around 11 and a half hours after the crash.

Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, tweeted: "This is extremely sad news. Thinking of the families and friends who are dealing with the shock of all of this."

Local councillor Andrew Baxter said: "It's appalling to hear of any fatality on our roads. It is even more so to hear of this dreadful tragedy and that it seems to have affected a young family.

"From the reaction that I've seen on social media and by talking to local residents, I know there is widespread shock and disbelief across Lochaber, with people thinking about those who have lost their lives, as well as the friends and family of those affected."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 2942 of February 20.