Three young men were killed after a Mercedes convertible they were in crashed through a retail park fence and plunged down an embankment.

Police were called to Staples Corner Retail Park in Brent Cross shortly before 11.30pm last night (April 14) to reports of a crash.

Five men, all believed to be aged in their early 20s, were found at the scene.

It is thought that they were all in the Mercedes CLK convertible when it crashed through a car park fence in the retail park and plunged down an embankment, striking a footbridge as it fell.

Police do not believe that the car collided with any other vehicle.

Three of the men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were rushed to hospital.

One is in a critical condition, while the other’s condition has been assessed as not life-threatening.

There have been no arrests, and police have confirmed that the car was not stolen.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that the process of recovering the Mercedes was “extremely complicated” and led to extensive road closure.

All roads were reopened earlier this afternoon (April 15).

Officers believe that a number of cars were in the car park at the time of the crash, and enquiries are ongoing to trace everyone who was there.

Inspector William Mcdonald said: “Emergency services responded last night to what seems to have been a terrible accident.

“An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

“Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families are being supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant mobile phone or dashcam footages is asked to call 101, reference 7502/14april.