A DRIVER killed in a head-on crash lost control of his car as he drove towards Blackburn, police have revealed.

Shaun Gornall, 18, of Longsight Road, Clayton-le-Dale, was at the wheel of a Renault Clio which burst into flames after it was in collision with a Citroen Picasso in Preston New Road, Samlesbury, at about 2am on Saturday.

Passenger James William Blackshaw, 16, of Cronshaw Drive, Langho, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary suffering from serious chest injuries.

The driver of the Citroen, Ibrahim Mall, 23, of Oswald Street, Blackburn, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital suffering from a fractured femur. Passengers Harum Ahmed Bagya, 29, and Abdul Mall, 37, both of Randall Street, Blackburn, were taken to Blackburn Infirmary suffering from slight leg and head injuries.

A neighbour of Mr Gornall today paid tribute to the teenager. Farmer Louise Edge, of Fairfield Farm, Longsight Road, said: "The family came into the shop to order a Christmas tree just a few weeks ago. Shaun seemed like a lovely lad. It's very sad."

Police immediately closed the road and diverted traffic for six hours after the accident, near to the KFC restaurant.

Police said the Renault was being driven towards Blackburn when the driver lost control on a left-hand bend, crossed the carriageway and was in collision with the Citroen, which was heading for Preston.

When fire crews arrived the Renault was on fire. Mr Gornall was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.