A SUICIDAL driver died after tying a noose around his neck and to a telephone pole then setting off in his car.

Police said Anthony Peter Wright, 30, of Thornfield Avenue, Waterfoot, tried to kill himself by setting off at high speed in his red Skoda Fabia. But he died after the noose snapped and he lost control of the car.

The Skoda smashed into a holiday home in Bacup Road, Todmorden, and the impact of the crash was believed to have caused his death.

A post mortem examination has taken place, but the exact cause of death has not been revealed.

Neighbours told police how the crash sounded like an explosion and sent stone and glass flying.

The corner of the house was knocked down while the back wall was split and the roof left dangling.

The car's front wheels were left three feet off the ground and fire crews were unable to immediately remove the Skoda because of the structural damage.

The wreck was covered with a tarpaulin and neighbours were not allowed to return to their homes.

Specialist engineers were drafted in to secure the site before the car was pulled out to recover Mr Wright's body.

Detectives were today compiling a report for the coroner to hold an inquest.

They were investigating the possibility that Mr Wright had been in an argument before his death.

A police spokesman today confirmed officers were treating the death as suicide and not a road accident.

He added: "Mr Wright tied a rope around his neck and around a telegraph pole further up the road.

"As he has driven off the rope has snapped and he has lost control of the car before crashing.

"The matter has been referred to the coroner and we will be making inquiries on their behalf."

A couple from Salford are thought to use the Grade II-listed stone cottage as their holiday home.

Following the incident, which happened on Friday night, Bacup Road was closed until 1pm on Saturday.

Bunches of flowers have been left at the scene. One said: "To my brother" and another "A great lad who will be sadly missed."

A spokeswoman for Calderdale coroner's office said confirmed: "The matter has been referred to the coroner and a post mortem examination has taken place.

"I cannot reveal the cause of death but an inquest will be opened and adjourned."

Mr Wright's family were too upset to comment when the Lancashire Evening Telegraph tried to contact them today.