A 27-year-old man, who was a passenger inside the car, has been taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition

Four men in their 20s have died after a car crashed into a lamppost in Merseyside.

Two 23-year-old men, a man aged 24 and a man aged 26 died in the crash in Huyton in the early hours of Friday, Merseyside Police said.

Police were called to reports a black Seat Cupra had crashed into a lamppost on Liverpool Road just before 2am.

The car had been travelling from Liverpool towards Knowsley.

Emergency services attended but the four men were pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

Their next of kin were informed and will be supported by officers.

A police cordon was put in place "as part of the initial stages of the investigation", Merseyside Police added.

There are road closures on Liverpool Road, and East Prescot Road is closed in both directions from its junction with Finch Lane to its junction with Princess Drive.

These closures are likely to remain in place over the weekend. A temporary drone restriction zone is also in place above Liverpool Road.

Superintendent Paul Holden said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the four men who sadly lost their lives following the collision in the early hours of this morning.

"Their families have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers.

"This is a truly devastating moment for their families and loved ones, and it is now our priority to get answers for them on how the collision occurred."

Superintendent Holden continued: "We know this happened very early this morning, but if anyone saw what happened or were driving through the area just before the incident occurred then please get in touch.

“Similarly, if you live in the area and have doorbell footage of the black Seat Cupra or the incident itself, please contact us.

"You may have information or footage that would be useful to our investigation."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police, quoting reference number 26000600149.