A WOMAN front seat passenger was killed in a horrific head on crash on the Isle of Wight last night.

Police say the tragedy happened when the male driver of a green Volkswagen Polo in which she was travelling, lost control as he drove towards from the Newport direction and collided head on with a black BMW at Bouldnor, Yarmouth.

The victim, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident which happened shortly before 8pm.

The Polo's driver sustained serious but not life threatening injuries, and after being released from the wreckage of his car, has been detained in St Mary's Hospital, Newport, where his condition is said to be stable.

The other driver was not hurt.

Witnesses are asked to contact Pc Graeme Webb at Shanklin police station who is in charge of the investigation.