A road crash in Florida has left a Dovercourt man dead and his wife with serious injuries.

Officials at the Foreign Office today confirmed that Mark Leek, 44, of Beach Road, died when the Chevrolet car he was driving was in a collision with a lorry.

Two other people also died in the incident and two more were seriously injured in the pile-up which happened last Wednesday in the Haines City area of Orlando.

The Foreign Office added that Mr Leek's wife Brenda, also 44, was rushed to the Florida Hart Hospital, where her injuries are said to be serious.

The couple are believed to have been holidaying near Orlando, Florida, when the accident took place.

Also travelling in the car were Mr Leek's brother Richard and sister-in-law Anne, but it is not known if they too come from the Dovercourt area.

The spokesman said the couple were taken to Orlando General Medical Center having sustained minor injuries and broken ribs.

He added that their injuries were not considered as serious as Brenda Leek's.

British Foreign Office staff have already been in touch with relatives of the dead man and are providing advice and support.

It is understood that the family are making arrangements to have Mr Leek's body flown home for burial.

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