A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Nelson has died after crashing his car into a woodland area.

Police said the incident happened at around 6.15am on the A671 Whalley Road heading into Clitheroe.

The man was driving a Skoda Octavia when it came off the road and crashed into the woodland, police said.

The driver suffered 'multiple injuries' and was pronounced dead after being treated by emergency services.

A police spokesman said: "We were called following a collision in Whalley Road.

"A Skoda Octavia had come off the road and collided with woodland.

"Sadly the male driver, 21, suffered multiple injuries and was later pronounced dead."

Police closed the A671 Whalley Road in both directions following the incident near Clitheroe Golf Club and Limehouse Farm.

Nobody else was in the vehicle or injured.

The road was closed between Primrose Road and the A59 for around five hours while police dealt with the crash.

It reopened shortly before 1pm.

Drivers had to be advised to find alternative routes in the area and slow traffic was caused by the closures.

A police spokesman had previously said: "It is a very serious accident and investigations are still ongoing.

"Officers were down at the scene for several hours.

"We're sorry for any convenience caused by the closures."

Sgt Adam Dawson, of Lancashire Police, said: “My thoughts are with the driver of the vehicle, his family and his friends at this very difficult time. These are tragic circumstances.

“We are appealing for information following the collision and would urge anyone who saw what happened to contact police.

“Furthermore, if you saw the vehicle described in the moments before the incident, please get in touch.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans described the accident as 'tragic' and said his thoughts were with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.

He said: "This man's friends and family will have felt the world around them shatter after this tragic event.

"All we can do is pour out our condolences to them.

"I hope anybody who witnessed the accident will voluntarily approach the police themselves to give some sort of witness statement.

"We need to know the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

"In their investigation I do hope the police will look to see if there were any contributory factors to prevent this type of accident happening again and make this public with County Hall."

Cllr Ken Hind, who is the leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: "This is a tragic accident.

"My heart goes out to his friends and family at this time."

Cllr Allan Knox, who is the leader of the opposition, said: "It's very tragic that someone so young has lost their life.

"My thoughts are with his friends and loved ones."

Anyone with any information is advised to contact the police on 101 quoting log reference 0367.