Chatteris crash: 'Much-loved' couple die and children hurt

Tributes have been paid to a "much-loved" couple who died in a collision which injured their two children.

The head-on crash between a car and a van happened on the A142 Isle of Ely Way, Chatteris, in Cambridgeshire shortly after 20:00 BST on Thursday.

Robert Bateman, 36, and his wife Paula, 35, from Manea, died at the scene. Their daughters were taken to hospital.

The van driver, a 32-year-old man from Lincoln, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Cambridgeshire Police said the children, Lexi, 10, and 18-month-old Elizabeth, had both been discharged from hospital, although Lexi has serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Mr and Mrs Batemen's family said they were "utterly devastated" by the news of their deaths.

"Bob and Paula were much-loved friends to many and will be missed by everyone who knew them," they said.

"They were also utterly devoted parents."

The van driver, who suffered minor injuries, remains in custody.