A TEENAGE girl has died after she became trapped in a car that veered off a country road and plunged into the River Parrett.

The 19-year-old, believed to be from South Petherton, who has been named locally as Katie Ann Bagwell, was the front seat passenger in the Fiat Punto which left the road near Martock.

The driver, 21, and another female passenger, managed to escape from the vehicle, which had been travelling along Broadmead near to the junction with Hawthorn Hill in the direction of Gawbridge Bow at 1am on Sunday.

Emergency services raced to the incident but Katie was declared dead at the scene A tributes page called 'In Loving Memory of Katie Ann Bagwell' attracted almost 2,000 followers in 48 hours with friends and family describing Katie as “talented and kind”.

In a heartfelt post from one family member, it adds: “Sadly we lost a beautiful and amazing girl today, the most kindest and unselfish person I know. We are absolutely devastated and there will never be a day that goes by where we don't think about you Katie, our lives will never be the same again.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

Flowers laid close to the scene.

Others posted their tributes describing Katie as “a sweet and beautiful girl” and “a stunning young lady”.

Collision investigators closed the road for several hours following the incident and the driver was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, who may have information to help our enquiries.

Anyone who can help should contact the collision investigation unit on the force number 101.