A BABY and three women were taken to hospital after the car they were travelling in hit a wall near Strete Gate, Slapton Sands, yesterday night.

It is understood a 20-year-old woman suffered neck and leg injuries but the eight-month-old child was uninjured.

Two others in the car were also taken to hospital.

A police spokesman said: 'Ambulance crews attended, as well as fire crews from Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, as it was initially thought that one of the injured females would need to be cut from the vehicle which she was sat in.

'Eventually, all four occupants were taken to Torbay Hospital with minor injuries and possible fractures. The baby was given some milk and a cuddle from us and was absolutely fine. In fact, I think he enjoyed the attention because he was smiling his head off.

'The female driver only passed her driving test within the week and it is suspected that her inexperience may have contributed to the incident.

'A word of warning, although the girls were put into the passing vehicle to keep warm and calm down, and the driver had the best intentions, we nearly had to take the roof off as they were complaining of neck and back pain. Please judge each situation on its merits, but try to avoid sitting people in your car if you suspect any spinal injuries.'

No other vehicle was believed to have been involved in the accident which took place shortly after 10.30pm.