A MAN is critically ill in hospital after a car crash in central Watford.

A black Volkswagen Lupo collided with a blue Ford Mondeo at around 7.40pm yesterday, while travelling south-east on Beechen Grove.

The Lupo came to rest in the middle of the road, but the Mondeo veered off the carriageway and came to a stop near the entrance of Queens car park after the collision.

Its driver, a 24-year-old from Watford suffered serious head and chest injuries in the crash and was rushed to Watford General Hospital by ambulance after firefighters cut him free from the car.

He has now been transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology in London, where his condition is described as critical.

The driver of the Lupo, a 23-year-old man, also from Watford suffered shock and whiplash in the crash, but was otherwise unhurt. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them on 01923 472 388.