A WOMAN driver was killed after losing control of her car on a road and careering into a lampost.

The woman, who has not been named, was travelling along Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, at about 7.30am when she lost control at a mini roundabout.

The car, a Peugeot 205 GTI, crashed into a bollard before hitting the pavement 100 yards further up the hill and ploughing into the lampost.

Emergency crews were called to the scene and the driver was released from the car by firefighters, although she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed for several hours while police carried out accident investigations.

Sgt Stuart Isherwood, of the road policing unit at Accrington said the road had been gritted and was clear of snow and ice, which was not believed to have been a cause of the crash.

One local resident, who heard the crash, said: "I just heard a loud bang and ran out to see what was happening and saw the car next to the lampost.

"It looked very serious. We've had several accidents on this stretch of road."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident and anyone with information should call the road policing unit at Accrington on 01254 353764.