A CYCLIST has died after being after being hit by a car in Bacup.

The 56-year-old man, who has not been named, was airlifted to Wythenshaw Hospital with multiple serious injuries.

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Police said he was thrown in to the air after he struck the front of a Chevrolet Kalos in Newchurch Road as he turned right in to New Line at 7pm on Wednesday.

He was flown to the hospital in Manchester but was pronounced dead at around 3am yesterday. Police said next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained hospital.

The 20-year-old male driver of the car was not seriously injured.

No arrests have been made and a police spokesman said the incident is being treated as an accident.

The man’s death has lead to calls for increased safety measures, with police and the fire chiefs to meet in the coming days.

The road was closed for over three hours whilst the man was treated and investigation work was carried out.

Police have issued a witness appeal following the fatal incident.

Sgt Nigel Ralphson, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a serious incident which sadly has cost a man his life. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch.”

Greensclough ward councillor James Eaton said: “My condolences go out to the man’s family in what is obviously an extremely sad time.

“There is a lot of speeding motorists on that stretch of road and I would support more safety measure. I am not saying that was a factor in this incident or that anyone was at fault but there is the park near there and there are always children walking about or on skate boards.”

A police spokesman said: “A cyclist has died following a collision in Bacup.

“The accident happened at shortly before 7pm on August 24 when a Chevrolet Kalos turned right from Newchurch Road into New Line and collided with a pedal cycle.

“The cyclist, a 56-year-old man from Helmshore, struck the front of the car and was thrown into the road suffering serious injuries.” He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester where he sadly died in the early hours of August 25.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 1366 of August 25.