AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after complaints the police could have prevented a fatal crash had they not left the scene of an earlier smash.

And residents have launched a campaign for traffic calming measures on the road following the accident - a move backed by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

Michael Parker, 61, of Preston New Road, Mellor Brook, died after being struck by a car which mounted the pavement while he helped clear up car parts just yards from him home after an earlier accident.

Statements taken from witnesses to the collision on November 11 have formed the basis of an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary, managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Steve Cotton, 35, whose three-year-old son Thomas was clipped by the Vauxhall Astra involved in the crash, said: "I complained in my statement that the police should really have stayed.

"I said in my opinion Michael would not have died if a police car was protecting the recovery vehicle from behind as the car would have hit the police car and never reached us."

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission said: "We are managing a Lancashire Constabulary investigation into their actions around the recovery of the vehicle from the earlier accident on Preston New Road."

Up to 60 residents attended a meeting of the Samlesbury and Cuerdale Parish Council after the accident sparked calls for traffic calming.

Officers from Lancashire County Council safety engineering group vowed to take action after residents complained the recent crash was one of many.

Up to £18,000 has already been earmarked for the entire stretch of Preston New Road following increased calls for more road safety measures.

The money will be used to paint more double white lines to prevent overtaking and cash will be dedicated to more chevron signs on bends and cutting back foliage to make all signs more visible.

A traffic island at the road's junction with Nabs Head Lane is also being considered.

Mr Evans said: "I want to see some of the money made from speed cameras going on safety measures on this road.

"If there is anything good to come of this tragedy it should be a harsh reminder to the authorities they must start to get safety on the road right."

A county council spokesman said: "The plans will be revisited following the parish council meeting to see if any additions can be made. We will also be looking into further safety measures for the future as a result of the concerns from the residents after this most recent collision."

A funeral was held last Friday at Christ Church, Blackburn where Mr Parker and his wife, Barbara, 62, had attended for most of their lives after meeting at the former church primary school.

An inquest into the death, which the coroner heard was caused by multiple injuries, has been opened and adjourned.

l A 26-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the fatal crash remains on police bail pending further inquires.