A MOTORBIKE rider was killed early today after a smash involving three vehicles near Hapton.

The man, who has not been named by police, died at the scene in Accrington Road, close to the Hapton Inn pub.

Police said the man, who was local and in his 30s, was travelling towards Burnley when the accident happened, shortly before 9am.

Police said he lost control of his motorbike after a Peugeot car pulled out of a driveway and onto the same side of the road.

Sergeant Russ Gregory, of Pennine Police's, road safety team said: "The motorbike was coming down Accrington Road in the direction of Burnley when a Peugeot 307 car pulled out from a driveway.

"There was a Ford Focus going in the opposite direction towards Hapton. The bike lost control and we think the bike skidded after the rider lost control.

"It then collided with the rear of the Peugeot.

"It looks like the motorcyclist totally lost control and at some stage went to the opposite side of the road and collided with the front of the Ford Focus.

"Sadly the motorcyclist died and we are still trying to trace relatives. Until we have we will be unable to release any further details."

The Peugeot mounted the nearside footpath and hit a wall, and as a result flipped on to its roof, police said.

The drivers of the Ford and Peugeot cars were taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital suffering from minor injuries and shock.

Accrington Road and part of Manchester Road were blocked off in both directions as emergency services tried to clear the scene.