UPDATE: A 30-year-old man from Brixham and a 38-year-old from Torquay, who were arrested at the time, have been released under investigation.

Police have spoken about the “truly awful incident” that left a three-year-old dead and his mother injured.

Police, ambulance and fire services, as well as an air ambulance, were on scene on the between Fork Cross and Follaton Gate yesterday, where a head-on collision between a Volvo and a Honda resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy.

Local police officers posted the official statement on social media, adding: “It goes without saying that this is a truly awful incident, at this or anytime of year and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and all involved in the incident.”

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of Roads Policing across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, tweeted: “Sat with @RoadPolAlliance colleagues at Crownhill. Mood extremely low, focussing on the need to complete investigation to the highest standard. I am in awe of these people who pick themselves up time and time again. Their welfare is at the forefront of our minds.

“Whilst ensuring @RoadPolAlliance are ok, we need to ensure that the local responders are also supported. @InspSouthDevon did a fantastic job yesterday in defusing, but longer term monitoring needed. I know this will be a priority for @SuptJHawley.

“Another year, more unopened Christmas presents, more people who never made it home, more families trying to work out how to face a new year and more haunting memories for the emergency responders. Hold your loved ones close this Christmas and be thankful for everything you have.”

Superintendent Jacqui Hawley tweeted: “My heart goes out to family & friends such a tragic loss of life. My thanks to those emergency service personnel who responded & to those members of the public who assisted before emergency services arrived. My [heart] goes out to family.”

Inspector Carmen Desborough responded to Supt Hawley, saying: “You’ve captured my sentiments ma'am; challenging and emotional for all emergency services involved yet professionalism shone through; our public exceptional with their actions and patience; my sympathy and thoughts remain with family and friends; just tragic.”

Police have confirmed that two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A three-year-old boy has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash near Totnes.

Emergency services were notified at around 12.25pm to reports of a head-on collision between a Honda and a Volvo on Plymouth Road on the outskirts of Totnes.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "This is the road between Fork Cross and Follaton Gate; closures are in place and are expected to remain in place until about 7pm.

"Tragically, a three-year-old child died as a result of their injuries. The child’s mother, who was driving the Volvo and is local to the area, was taken to Derriford Hospital with a broken arm."

Two men, both described as local, who were in the Honda were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Inspector Richard McLellan told BBC Spotlight this evening that the men had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and would be interviewed by police later this evening.

The road is now open.

Anyone with any information, or anyone who may have dashcam footage that could assist police with inquiries, is asked to contact 101, quoting log number 290 for 20 December. The latest on the road closures will be available through the Devon and Cornwall Police traffic watch service: HERE