A MOTORIST was found dead in his car at the side of a busy road hours after the vehicle had skidded into a tree.

The body of Stephen Ware, 40, of Eshton Terrace, Clitheroe, was found strapped in the front seat of his VW Golf in a ditch off the A59 at Sawley Brow - a section known as a notorious accident blackpot.

A passer-by raised the alarm after spotting the car at the bottom of a hill on the Whalley to Clitheroe bypass just before 10am yesterday.

Fire crews were called to the scene to cut Mr Ware's body from the wreckage.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the tragedy which occurred between 2am and 10am.

A spokesman said: "It is difficult to know exactly when the accident took place.

"We know he left his home in the early hours. The car was hidden by bushes and was out of sight from the road." An ambulance spokesman said: "By the state of the body it was obvious he had been there for some considerable time.

"It looks like he had lost control of the car and crossed the carriageway into the tree as he travelled towards Clitheroe.

"It is surprising he was not spotted earlier because the A59 is such a busy road.

"The car was extensively damaged. He must have died quickly. Whether he had collapsed at the wheel or not is difficult to say."

Mr Ware was an amateur footballer who had played Brockhall and the King's Arms, Clitheroe.

He was a nursing assistant and had worked at Brockhall and Calderstones hospitals for the last 17 years.

Originally from Blackburn, Mr Ware had lived in Clitheroe for the last 15 years and shared his life with Mrs Anne Aspin.

Mr Ware also had a daughter Terri, 17, who was comforting Mrs Aspin at the couple's home in Eshton Terrace, today.

Anybody with information should call police on 01282 863161.

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