A MAN died after the car he was driving ploughed into a tree early today.

The 24-year-old, whose name has not yet been released by police, was trapped in the Toyota car after the accident happened at 3.30am in Walton Lane, Nelson.

Police tried to free him but failed and firefighters had to use cutting equipment to release him from the car.

He was pronounced dead at Burnley General Hospital around 6am.

A 28-year-old female passenger was taken to hospital for treatment after maanging to scramble out of the car by herself.

A police spokesman said: "The car collided with a tree near to the cemetery in Walton Lane.

"Officers at the scene tried to free the trapped man from the car but due to the conditions they were unsuccessful.

"Firefighters had to use cutting equipment to free him from the car.

"Unfortunately the man died later in hospital.

"His brother was there but the rest of the family are yet to be informed."

Anybody with information about the incident is asked to contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Michael Williams, 39, who lives opposite the crash scene, said: "My wife was downstairs and she heard a car screeching up the road.

"It hit a tree, bounced across the road and swerved back, nearly hitting my car.

"When it hit the other tree it went up on its nose, impaling itself on the railings.

"It's a school route and if it had been a few hours later it would have been riddled with schoolkids."

Brian Darling, 72, also of Walton Lane, said he was woken up by all the commotion.

He added: "The car came to rest at the tree and it was on fire and two fire engines came.

"The car was a right mess."