A CAR smashed through the railings of Prison Bridge, Devizes, in the early hours of this morning, just months after the death of Karly Heweson at the same spot.

Police say that officers were called to the bridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal and found barriers had been smashed into.

They then began a search of the area for the driver and passengers of the vehicle.

A police spokesman said: "We were called just before 1am this morning to a report of a collision on Prison Bridge, Devizes, involving a blue Mercedes C250.

"The driver had left the scene when officers arrived. The helicopter was scrambled and officers carried out a search of the area assisted by a police dog.

"The driver of the vehicle has been located this morning and officers are currently speaking with him to ascertain the full circumstances of the incident."

Miss Heweson, 21, died when a car went out of control and crashed through the bridge barriers late on August 27.

In September town councillors called for urgent action to be taken to improve safety on the bridge. Work to repair the bridge damaged in August has only just been completed.

Sgt Pete Foster told town councillors that it would be possible to set up a community Speedwatch scheme.

At the town council meeting Richard Jeans, who lives in Bath Road, said: "I am frightened that these accidents are going to keep on happening. I hear the speed of traffic every day from my house. It is only time before there is another tragedy."

He called for traffic calming, signs and a higher police presence in Bath Road, particularly on the long straight stretch near the old St Peter's primary school.

In recent years there have been two other fatal crashes at Prison Bridge. In April, 2012 Stuart Hughes, 25, from South Wales died when a car he was driving hit the bridge at high speed.

In July 2014 Charlie Sherman, 23, died when he lost control of his motorbike and collided with a bus.