A MAN has been arrested after an Oxfordshire driver died in a crash on the M40 last night.

Part of the motorway remained closed this morning following the fatal collision, which happened between Junction 2 and 1A last night, near Beaconsfield.

A 38-year-old man from Thame died at the scene, and his passenger was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

He had been driving a white Man box van, which collided with a silver BMW 5 Series car.

The crash caused the van to leave the carriageway and hit trees and fencing.

Thames Valley Police were called to the scene at 8.13pm and have now appealed for witnesses.

The force has said a 26-year-old man from Slough has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He remains in police custody. 

The passenger was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, where he remains in a serious, but stable condition.

The van driver's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by trained officers.

Investigating officer Sergeant Dominic Mahon, of the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit based at Bicester, said: "This collision happened when the motorway was busy with traffic, and I am appealing to anybody who may have witnessed this. 

“I am particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have dash-cam footage of the collision to get in touch.

"If you were on the motorway at the time of the collision, please check your footage and if there is anything that can assist with our investigation, please contact police.

"Sadly, the driver of the van passed away at the scene, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

He urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting URN 1406 (18/9), or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.