A MAN has died after a car being pursued by police crashed into a lamppost.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation following the fatality on Saturday, which happened when a silver Mazda 6 carrying three men crashed in Colne Road, Burnley, close to the junction with Jackson Street.

The front seat passenger, a 23-year-old man from Burnley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 24-year-old driver from Burnley, who suffered minor injuries, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries

The 26-year-old rear passenger was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with serious back and leg injuries following the crash which happened at around 1.25am.

Meanwhile tributes have been paid to the 23-year-old man, who has not been named by police. Friends and family have left flowers at the scene.

A family friend said: “What’s happened has still not sunk in.

"He was a really nice guy.

"He was well known in the community for doing good things.

"No one had a bad word to say about him. We are all going to miss him deeply.

"It’s devastating. He’s been taken far, far too early. He’s so young.

"He always cheered you up and always thought about the positive aspects of situations.”

Another resident said: “I can’t believe a young lad has died, this is very sad.

"The crash site looks awful, there’s people stood round looking shellshocked and upset.

"My thoughts are with the man’s family.”

Prior to the crash, the car had been requested to stop by the police and was being followed.

Lancashire Police has referred IOPC who are conducting an independent investigation.

Det Ch Supt Neil Ashton said: “Our thoughts are with the families of these men at this incredibly difficult time.

"We have specially trained officers supporting them.

"If you think you saw anything that could help with the investigation please call us on 101 quoting incident number 136 of September 29.”

Firefighters attended the incident and cut the men free from the car.

A barricade was put in place around the lamppost which has been knocked to one side at an angle.

A fire service spokesman said: “Two fire engines from Burnley attended a road traffic collision on Colne Road, Burnley in the early hours.

“The incident involved one vehicle with trapped casualties.

"They used hydraulic cutting equipment, lighting equipment, oil pads and long board and some small tools at the incident.”

An IOPC spokesman said: “We were notified of the incident by Lancashire Police and sent investigators to attend the scene in Colne Road, Burnley and to police post-incident procedures.

"We have since declared an independent investigation.”