AN important witness who stopped at the scene of a fatal accident is being sought by police.

Police are urging a motorist who pulled up when tragic Burnley student Leon Atkinson was killed in an accident on the A59 in Osbaldeston to come forward.

The crash happened outside the Bay Horse pub in Longsight Road, Osbaldeston, on Thursday May 3.

Police believe the driver pulled out of a junction into the path of oncoming traffic. It is not thought speed was a factor.

The Peugeot 106 being driven by Leon, of Paulhan Street, Burnley, was struck by a Toyota Auris and a skip wagon opposite Abbot Brow in Osbaldeston.

Sgt Pete Pete Sculphur, of Accrington road policing unit, said the junction had clear stop signs and that sight lines had good visibility.

He said: "We have carried out an accident reconstruction at the site but it is still early days yet in terms of the investigation.

"We are still appealing for witnesses. There will be a couple of people who passed the scene and left before the first officer arrived at the scene. We would like those people to come forward. We also know that one motorist stopped just after the accident but then left heading towards Preston. We would also ask that the person comes forward."

Mr Atkinson was doing a degree in sports science at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston.

Steve Atkins, principal lecturer for sport and exercise at the university paid tribute to an "excellent and enthusiastic student."

He was also a world ranked rower who "possessed immense sporting ability," Mr Atkins said.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.