A TEACHING assistant has been killed in a horror smash involving two cars as tributes flood in for the woman.

Rachel Spence, who worked at a primary school, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services rushed to the crash.

The tragedy happened in Ashby Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, shortly before 10.30pm last Monday – October 5.

A grey Hyundai i30 and a silver Vauxhall Agila were involved in the collision near the junction with Barrie Road.

Rachel, who was in her 60s, was driving the Vauxhall.

She was named in a letter to parents from Richmond Primary School, where she worked as a learning support assistant.

A 22-year-old man arrested in connection with the crash has since been released under investigation.

Cops say enquiries are continuing, with officers appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A Facebook page dedicated to Hinckley has paid a touching tribute to the “long-serving” staff member at the school.

The post said: “Our thoughts go out to the family of Mrs Rachel Spence, a long-serving member of staff at Richmond Primary School in Hinckley who has sadly died following a crash on Ashby road in Hinckley on Monday evening.”

Dozens of locals commented on the announcement with touching tributes and expressed shock at the news.

One person said: “Thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues old and new at Richmond.”

Another added: “Sending love light and healing to her family and friends.”

Somebody else said: “Sending heartfelt condolences to Mrs Spence’s family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this devastating time.”

“I had the pleasure of knowing Rachel, she was a lovely lady, thinking of her family at this very sad time,” another added.

One woman said: “Mrs Spence was such a wonderful lady and a loved member of teaching staff at Richmond.

“I knew her well and I left Richmond in 2008. The amount of time that she was at Richmond shows how dedicated she was to her job and the children.

“I really am thinking of everyone affected by this, and my thoughts are with all that love Mrs Spence, as well as those at Richmond. Love, thoughts and prayers with you all.”

Detective Sergeant Kasie McMahon, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, called for witnesses to come forward.

She said: “This incident happened on a main road to and from the town centre in a residential area.

“I believe there will have been people who saw what happened and I’m appealing for witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to come forward.”

She added: “Any footage or details about what happened that you can provide could help our investigation.”

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