A TEENAGER died after running out in front of a car on a busy road in Burnley, an inquest heard.

John Paul Henry Fallon suffered multiple injuries after he was struck by a passing car as he ran after friends across Brunshaw Road at around 6.30pm on February 14.

He was taken by ambulance to the accident and emergency department at Burnley General Hospital but later died.

The inquest heard John, 13, of Irene Street, Burnley, was playing with two friends when the trio decided to cross the road to the embankment opposite.

John was hit by a Vauxhall Omega driven by Russell Midgeley, of Abbey Village, near Chorley.

One of the boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how he ran across the road and heard a bang.

He added: "I saw John run down the grass embankment and heard a bang and then saw a shoe flying into the air."

Eyewitness Nick Thompson, of Worsthorne, said he was driving down Brunshaw Road when he saw the accident.

He said: "I was driving down the hill when I saw brake lights come on and something shot out from the side of the road.

"At first I thought a dog had been hit, but then I saw the driver at the side of the road with his head in his hands and I realised it must be something more serious."

Accident investigator PC Richard Roberts said: "The driver was not travelling in excess of the speed limit and the victim ran across the road. The car was so close that the driver was not able to react and avoid a collision."

Acting East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death and said: "It is tragic that John chose exactly the wrong moment to cross the road.

"Mr Midgeley could do nothing to avoid a collision."