A MAN died after his car hit a barrier on an M65 sliproad near Blackburn yesterday.

The 48-year-old, from Blackburn, is believed to have been taken ill at the wheel and hit the barrier of the eastbound sliproad at junction six, just off Whitebirk Roundabout.

The silver Mazda 3 was the only car involved in the accident. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle suffered very little damage.

There were no other passengers in the car, which was heading towards Burnley on the busy stretch.

Police were called at 11.30am and the road was closed while an investigation got under way.

The man was taken by ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital but died shortly afterwards.

The road was fully reopened by the afternoon.

Sgt Jon Allwright, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “Sadly, it would appear that this gentleman has been taken ill at the wheel and passed away.

“I would appeal for anyone with information or who saw the accident to get in touch with us.”

The identity of the man had not been released by late yesterday as family members were still being informed.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log number 0402 of January 3.

The accident comes just six weeks after Mark Burgess, of Abbey Village, died after crashing into a barrier near Junction Eight on November 28.

The 39-year-old HGV driver, who was born in Burnley, was thrown from his Citroen Saxo and died from his injuries.