TRIBUTES have been paid to two women who died following a Cumbria road traffic collision.

Police were called at 3.23pm on Tuesday following a two vehicle road collision near Sowerby Wood, Newby Cross

Hayley Sarah Murdoch, aged 29, from Carlisle, and Sheila Dixon, aged 71, from Carlisle, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were passengers in a Kia Picanto.

In a statement released by police, Hayley's partner said: "Hayley was fiercely loyal to her boy as well as her family. The boy and me meant the world to her, she was beautiful inside and out.”

The same statement added: "Sheila was a wonderful, generous, loving and very kind person. Someone who was so loved and cherished within the family that the loss will be felt forever.

“Her memory will never be forgotten and she will always be heartfully missed by all that knew her."

The driver of the Kia, a 74-year-old man from Carlisle, remains in a critical but stable condition. A three-year-old boy from Carlisle was also in the vehicle and he remains poorly but stable. Both are at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

The driver of a Ford Transit van, a 51-year-old man from Aspatria, was taken to Carlisle Infirmary with minor injuries.

Specially trained officers are supporting the families at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact police on 101.