A DRIVER accused of “racing” a friend on an East Lancashire road, shortly before a nine-year-old was killed, has denied he was trying to keep up with a second car.

Aleena Kausar died after an Audi A5 driven by Adil Manir, then 19, mounted a pavement in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, in September 2015, as she walked to a mosque with her mother, a Burnley Crown Court trial has heard.

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Prosecutors allege Mohsen Saddique, 23, was “racing” with Manir, out of Rawtenstall town centre, in his VW Golf car, tailgating the Audi past the town’s cricket ground and health centre.

But the former Haslingden High student, now a taxi driver, has denied being involved in any pursuit.

Questioned by defence counsel Ahmed Nadim, Saddique said: “His car was a lot faster than mine, it was a lot newer. I knew that my car wasn’t capable of keeping up so that is not something I would have done.”

Interviewed after Aleena’s death, Saddique said he had seen his friend overtake a Vauxhall Corsa ahead, but he was slowing down so he could call on his friend.

Giving evidence, he told jurors he had been travelling at around 45mph initially but was slowing down to around 40mph.

Mr Nadim, told jurors he never intended to overtake the Corsa, as he was looking to pull over.

The court heard he saw Manir’s Audi heading towards the pavement, as he steered to avoid an oncoming Vauxhall Zafira, driven by Aleena’s uncle, Shiraz Ali, who had offered the girl and her mother a lift moments before. But Saddique said he had not seen the collision. He heard screams and said he pulled over to offer assistance.

Manir, formerly of Beech Street, Rawtenstall, but now living in Keighley, has admitted causing Aleena’s death by dangerous driving.

Saddique, formerly of Wheatholme Street, Rawtenstall, but now also of Keighley, has pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, said an expert estimated Manir and Saddique’s speed at between 55 and 64mph on the 30mph limit road.

CCTV footage was shown to the court, from Bacup Road buildings, which allegedly showed the Audi and VW Golf travelling as close as two metres away from each other.

Jurors were told by Judge Jonathan Gibson that, when they retire to consider their verdict on the allegation later, alternative offences may be considered, depending on how their deliberations proceeded.

The court heard these could include dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, and careless driving. The trial continues.