AN ELDERLY man died after crashing his car into a wall in Oswaldtwistle after being taken ill at the wheel.


Police said the 81-year-old suffered a 'medical episode' at the wheel of his Citroen C1 before colliding with the wall in Union Road at around 9.35am yesterday.


The pensioner was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but despite the best efforts of medics passed away.


Flowers had been left on top of the destroyed wall near where to where the road meets Stanhill Lane.


Residents said they were shocked and upset to hear of the accident.


Sharon Blakelidge, 53, of Stanhill Lane, said: "I will be leaving some flowers out in his memory, you don't expect things to happen like this.


"I was shocked to come home and see the wall destroyed so close to my house."


Fellow resident Ethel Adshead, 75, said: "It's horrible to hear that this man has passed away.


"I was very concerned when I saw the helicopter out the back. It is a huge shock."


Alan Godbold, 65, of Union Road, said: "The fire brigade were here very quickly and the ambulance crews did their best for about half an hour to revive the man but they were having no luck.


"It's extremely sad to hear about and I pass my condolences to the family."

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Another resident said: "It is terribly sad for the man's family.


"When I heard the bang I came out because I thought it was the digging that has been going on here.


"I was shocked to see what had happened.


"I know the bus driver was shook up behind him."


The road was closed for two-and-a-half hours while officers examined the scene and removed the debris.


Specially trained officers are now supporting the man's family.


Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.


Sgt Mick Young said: "This is a very sad incident in which a man has lost his life.


“I would now appeal to anybody that witnessed the collision to contact us, to help us piece together what happened.”


Anyone with information should call police on 101.