Three people die after car hits lamp post in Lancashire

Three people have died and another was critically ill in hospital yesterday after a car crashed into a lamp post, Lancashire Police said. The Peugeot hatchback left the A666 Bolton Road in Darwen at 3.30pm yesterday before colliding with the post outside the Ocean Palace Restaurant.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two more died shortly afterwards in Royal Blackburn Hospital, the force said. A fourth person was critically injured in the crash and was last night undergoing emergency surgery.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as part of their investigation. Inspector Damian Kitchen from the Force Road Policing Unit said: "We are in the process of identifying the people involved and informing relatives.

"An enquiry team has been established and we are appealing for witnesses to come forward."