A TAXI driver who died in a car crash on a busy East Lancashire road has been named by police.

Mohammed Ajaz Ahmed Butt, 49, of Cheetham Hill, Manchester, died when his Ford Galaxy left the A56 Edenfield by-pass close to the Woolpack Island roundabout at around 5.30am on Sunday.

Police found father-of-two Mr Butt in his taxi after it apparently travelled down an embankment next to the road and smashed into a tree.

Officers said they believed Mr Butt, who worked for the New Link taxi firm, may have dropped off a fare in Burnley or Rossendale.

Sgt Tracey Ward, from Colne road policing unit, said: “There are no witnesses to the collision and there is no evidence at this time of any other party being involved but I would urge anyone with any information to call police.

“As there are no witnesses we are unsure as to the exact time it occurred and it may have been some time prior to the vehicle being found.”

Mr Butt leaves two sons aged 17 and 19.

Anyone with information should call 08451 25 35 45.