A 65-YEAR-old woman has died after being hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were called at 6.50am on Sunday to reports of the collision involving a Mercedes c220 and two pedestrians on Preston New Road, close to Samlesbury.

The vehicle was travelling east in the direction of Blackburn at the time of the crash.

One of the pedestrians, a 65 year old woman, suffered significant head and chest injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A 65 year old man, also a pedestrian, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he was treated for a broken leg and facial injuries including a broken jaw.

The driver of the car was not injured.

The A59 Preston New Road at Samlesbury, close to the Mercure Hotel, was closed for around five hours from 9.30am following the collision while specialist collision investigators attended.

One motorist, who was stuck in traffic along the road, said: “This can be a really bad stretch of road.

"We were stuck in traffic for a while as the people were seen to and the area was cleaned up.

"I just hope that everybody involved is okay.”

Sgt Finn Quainton of Lancashire Police’s Tac Ops Division, said: “A woman has died and our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.

"Specially trained officers have been appointed to support them.

"Our thoughts also remain with the man who is seriously injured in hospital.

"We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to us to come forward.

"Likewise, if you have any dash cam footage that could be helpful to the investigation, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting log number 338 of September 8.