A MAN has died and a woman has been seriously injured after a crash closed the East Lancs Road.

Emergency services were called to the A580 between Winwick Lane in Kenyon and Warrington Road in Glazebury after the accident, which happened shortly before 10.30am and involved a lorry and a car.

Police have now confirmed that the driver of the latter vehicle, a 58-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 56-year-old woman who was also travelling in the car suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.

The HGV was travelling in the direction of Manchester near to the junction with Atherleigh Way when it collided with the Toyota, which was turning right onto the East Lancs.

A 28-year-old man, the driver of the lorry, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody this evening.

While the road remains shut while officers carry out further investigations, it is expected to reopen within the next few hours.

The air ambulance attended the scene, as did two ambulances and fire crews – who cut a casualty from one of the vehicles.

Police are appealing for information from members of the public over the incident.

Sergeant Darren Hancock, of Greater Manchester Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This was a devastating incident, our thoughts are with the victims’ family and specialist officers are supporting them.

“We know the East Lancs is a busy road, so we are hoping members of the public can assist us with our enquiries by providing us with vital information or dashcam footage.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for their patience as we have responded to this collision – I appreciate that closing a busy road for a number of hours can inconvenience people, but I hope the public understand that it is necessary in order us to properly and thoroughly investigate, providing those affected with much needed answers.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 0161 8564741, quoting incident 890 of January 21, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.