A MAN has died after being hit by a car on a Blackburn ring road.

Ian Davies, 59, from Blackburn, suffered serious head and spinal injuries when he was hit by a Volkswagen Golf on Barbara Castle Way at 2.15pm on Monday.

He was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital but died on Wednesday, police have confirmed.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 27-year-old man from Blackburn, was not injured.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands there were traces of cannabis in the driver’s system when he was tested at the roadside.

Mr Davies family said in a statement: “We are deeply shocked and saddened as he was in the prime years of his life. We would like to thank all the emergency services including the air ambulance and police for their quick response, as well as the staff involved in his care at Royal Preston Hospital.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses following the fatal incident, which is the second fatality on the stretch of road in recent years.

Denis Whittaker, 82, also from Blackburn, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a blue BMW, close to Capita, in January 2016.

A councillor has now called for urgent safety action to be taken on the road before anybody else loses their life.

Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward councillor Cllr Hussain Akhtar said: “This is very sad news and my thoughts are with Mr Davies’ family.

“I know people in the area are concerned about using Barbara Castle Way, both in cars and on foot. The number of accidents happening there is growing and it needs to stop.

“While I realise speeding is an issue along the road, I think to keep pedestrians safe we need to seriously think about building a flyover so that they can cross safely. Sgt Phil Baxendale said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with Mr Davies, his family and friends at this sad time.”

Contact police on 101 or email 2957@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0712 of October 29.”