POLICE have named a woman who died after an early morning crash on a busy North Ayrshire to Glasgow road as 59-year-old Lesley McTear from Dreghorn.

Four horses also succumbed to their injuries following the fatal collision involving a Mercedes A-class car and a MAN box van on the A737 near Howwood on Monday.

Officers responded to the incident shortly after 3am on September 23, with a number of calls reporting that six horses had been spotted running loose on the road.

Emergency crews raced to the area, however, Lesley, a passenger in the Mercedes, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lesley McTearLesley McTear (Image: Police Scotland) In a statement, her family said: “Lesley was a loving wife, mother, grandma and daughter in law.

"As a family, we are deeply saddened by the events that have caused such a void in our family.

“Lesley was the glue that kept us all together and anyone who was lucky enough to know Lesley was showered by her unconditional love.”

Police previously said that a 52-year-old man, the driver of the car, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, while a 33-year-old man who was a passenger in the car and a 59-year-old male driving the van were taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley for assessment.

Four of the horses died after being struck by vehicles and two were taken to safety.

The road was closed for around 12 hours while an investigation was carried out and reopened at 2pm.

Sergeant Jack Swindells said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died and everyone involved.

“Our enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and anyone who can assist with our investigation who has not already spoken to officers is asked to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0291 of September 23, 2024.