A MAN who was killed after climbing onto the rear of a van was on a stag night, it has been revealed.

Ray Higson, 33, of Chorley, was seen climbing on to the rear of a white Fiat Doblo Cargo van in Union Street, at the traffic light junction with Market Street, at 12.20am on Sunday.

Mr Higson, who had been out with friends on a stag party in Chorley town centre, was found by a taxi driver around eight minutes later, lying on the Euxton-bound carriageway of Southport Road with serious injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital but died later that night.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw him climbing on to the vehicle, or who has any information about the incident, to contact them.

Officers are also urging the driver and passenger of the white Fiat van to come forward as a matter or urgency. After leaving Chorley town centre, the vehicle was seen to turn into St Thomas’s Road towards Southport Road.

Sgt Jon Allwright, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a tragic incident which highlights the extreme risks of such behaviour.

“We would appeal for anyone who saw this man climb on to the vehicle, or indeed the driver and passenger of the white Fiat van, to contact us as soon as possible to help us with our inquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact Chorley police on 08451 253545.