A MOTORIST has died following an accident in Haslingden today.

The smash happened just before 7.30am on the southbound carriageway of the A56 Haslingden bypass, by the junction of the A680.

The driver's car, which police said was a Toyota MR2, left the road and ended up in a ditch close to the former Lancashire Homes and Garden Centre.

The driver, who police have not yet named, was partly thrown from the car.

Police, fire, and ambulance crews attended the scene, and firefighters used cutting equipment to free the driver.

Paramedics and firefighters battled to save the man's life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed as police began an investigation into the cause of the crash, which caused traffic chaos at the height of rush hour.

Tailbacks stretched for miles at the busy junction

Sub-officer Darrell Cemm said no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

He said: "It appears the vehicle has left the carriageway.

On arrival the casualty was part ejected from the vehicle and an ambulance crew was working on him.

We used hydraulic spreading equipment, and the casualty was transferred into the ambulance on a long board.

"They continued to work on him with the assistance of two firefighters in the ambulance but, unfortunately, he died at the scene."

A police spokeswoman said: "A male motorist has died following an accident. We believe the car is a Toyota MR2 and an investigation is being conducted to establish the cause of the accident and trace the man's next of kin."

Anyone with information about the accident should contact Colne road traffic policing unit on 01282 472431.