AN elderly woman has died and four people were taken to hospital after a three-car collision near Cliviger.

The incident happened at 3.10pm on Saturday in Burnley Road, between Holme Chapel and Portsmouth.

A red Ford Fiesta travelling towards Burnley was in collision with a silver Toyota Corolla travelling in the opposite direction.

A burgundy Range Rover travelling towards Todmorden was also involved in the incident but no one in the car was injured.

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the incident or saw any of the vehicles prior to the accident to come forward to help discover how it occurred.

Edith Smith, 80, of Birch Mount, Hurstead, Rochdale, a passenger in the Toyota driven by her daughter Barbara McAndry, suffered internal injuries and died in Burnley General Hospital yesterday.

Barbara McAndry went to Burnley General Hospital with a broken bone in her left wrist but was dnot detained.

David Burns, 16, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, who was the front seat passenger in the Fiesta, was taken by air ambulance to Preston Royal Infirmary with chest injuries and was released yesterday.

The driver of the Fiesta Michael Morris, 18, of Hudson Street, Cornholme, was transferred to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with facial injuries.

Another passenger in the Fiesta, David Burns, 16, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, is in Burnley Hospital with abdominal injuries.

Leading firefighter Jed Richmond said: "We had two engines and the incident support unit came over from Accrington.

"We had to take the doors off the Toyota to help the paramedics in get the people out." Cars travelling along Burnley Road in both directions were turned back by police.

The section of road was closed for around two and a half hours until the cars had been removed.

Passengers on a bus heading towards Todmorden were asked to get off and walk along the stretch of closed road to get on a replacement bus waiting at the other side.

PC Ian McLean said: "The Ford Fiesta somehow made a 90 degree turn and ended up in the Todmorden-bound carriageway.

"Anyone who hasn't already been in touch with us who saw the accident or any of the vehicles involved should contact me on 01282 472542."