A PENSIONER has died in a crash near an M65 junction, police have confirmed.

Police are appealing for witnesses after 87-year-old Mary Hargrave suffered fatal injuries in the incident at 2pm yesterday when a Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with a DAF truck on the A674 Chorley Road in Withnell at the junction with Bury Lane.

Police said Ms Hargrave, who is from Brinscall, was a passenger in the Micra. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital, where she later died.

The driver of the Micra, an 85-year-old woman, also from Brinscall, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains.

The driver of the DAF truck, 51-year-old ma from Bamber Bridge, was not injured in the crash.

No arrests have been made in connection with the crash.

Sgt Paul Maguire, of Tac Ops, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with Mary Hargrave, her family and friends at this sad time.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any dashcam which may have captured the collision to get in touch with us.”

An air ambulance, three ambulances and two rapid response vehicles attended the scene.

Firefighters had to use cutting equipment to free Ms Hargrave and the driver of the Micra from the vehicle A fire service spokesman said: “Firefighters used cutting equipment, first aid kit and a long board to rescue one casualty from one of the vehicles who was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“A second casualty was also taken to hospital.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0639 of September 11.