Her final text contained just a single word, but it haunts Jean Hanlon's (pictured) family to this day. 'Help', the message read.

A woman in her 20s has died after a horror car crash on the M40 motorway, Thames Valley Police said last night.

The smash took place between junctions 2 and 3 northbound near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire at around midday yesterday between a blue Volkswagen Golf and a white Ford Transit, the force said in a statement.

Three people, a 35-year-old man, a 32-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, all from Carshalton in Surrey, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and are in custody.

A woman in her 20s has died after a horror car crash on the M40 motorway, Thames Valley Police said last night

A woman in her 20s has died after a horror car crash on the M40 motorway, Thames Valley Police said last night

A woman in her 20s has died after a horror car crash on the M40 motorway, Thames Valley Police said last night

Sergeant Ed Crofts of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘Tragically, as a result of this collision, a woman has died.

‘Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the person who has died.

‘I am appealing to anybody that witnessed this collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of the collision, or the moments leading up to it, to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

‘You can do so by reporting online, calling 101, or contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 43230223925.’