THE third victim to die following a major crash on the M4 earlier this month has been identified.

The incident involved a van and a lorry and took place on the westbound carriageway close to junction 17 at Chippenham shortly after 4.30am.

Two men in the van were pronounced dead at the scene and two other men, also travelling in the van, were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol .

One of these died from his injuries on Wednesday, June 11.

The third man to be identified has been named as Steven Sheldon, 35, of Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.

Steven’s family, including his mother and two sisters, paid tribute to him yesterday.

They said: “He leaves behind a loving mother, Margaret, two devoted sisters, Lisa and Sarah, and two much loved nieces, Shannon and Kloe.

“The family would like to thank family and friends for their support during this very tragic time.”

The other two men who died as a result of the collision have been named as James Vernon Stark, 37, of Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, and Martin Williams, 36, of Trecynon, Wales.

The remaining victim remains in hospital in a critical condition.

A fifth man, who was driving the van, was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon with minor injuries but was released the same morning.

A 37-year-old man from Aberdare was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.