The family of a woman who died in a collision on the M40 near Lapworth have paid tribute to her.

Emergency services were called to reports of a three-car collision on the southbound side of the carriageway between junction 16 (Henley) and 15 (Warwick) shortly before 11pm on Sunday (21 June).

A passenger in one of the cars – a woman in her 60s – died at the scene.

She has today been named as Anne Anderson.

Paying tribute to the 68-year-old, who was from the northeast of England, her family said: "The crash has devastated our small and close-knit family.

"We lost Anne, who was someone who was adored by us all.

"She was an amazing mum to her three children, a devoted wife, sister and a beloved grandma who brought so many smiles to the faces of her loving grandchildren.

"She gave everything to our family, and, even in these darkest of days, we feel incredibly lucky to have had Anne in our lives.

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"She will forever be remembered as someone who loved deeply, lived selflessly and brought happiness and joy to us all.

"As a family we are also pulling together to support Anne's stepson, who was also in the car, and is currently in hospital dealing not only with the loss of Anne but also with significant injuries.

"We would like to thank the police for their ongoing support and ask that we are given the space and privacy to come to terms with this tragic loss."

Warwickshire Police arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

The M40 southbound was closed throughout the night on Sunday and through to Monday afternoon while investigations took place.

The northbound carriageway also saw delays as lanes were shut.