AN 80-year-old man who was hit by a car in Rishton yesterday evening has died.

Police said Frank Fielding, who lived in the town, was struck by a car as he crossed High Street near the library at 5pm.

The man suffered serious head and leg injuries and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital in a critical condition but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver of the car was also injured and was taken to hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

Sgt Dave Hogarth said: “We are still working to establish exactly what has happened but we believe the white Vauxhall Nova was travelling along High Street towards Blackburn when the collision occurred.

“We would appeal for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who witnessed the collision to come forward and contact police.”

A helicopter landed at nearby Norden High School to treat the victim but he was transferred by land ambulance.

Traffic travelling towards Rishton was affected as police closed the road between Dunkenhalgh Way and Blackburn Road.

Police initially reported Mr Fielding as 70 years old but this has since been corrected.

Any information can be passed to police on 01254 51512 or via 08451 25 35 45.