A PENSIONER has died after the car he was driving crashed into a street sign in what has been described as a ‘tragic incident’.

It is believed the man, who has not been named but was 70, may have suffered a medical episode moments before the crash.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident, which happened in Wilpshire at around 7.45am on Saturday.

Police said the man was at the wheel of a Ford Focus when the car left the road and collided with a street sign as it turned from Hollowhead Lane into Hollowhead Avenue.

The man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The man’s next of kin has been informed.

A file will be passed to the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley coroner. An inquest into the man’s death is likely to be held next year.

Police have issued a witness appeal but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fatality.

Superintendent Julian Platt said it appeared to be a tragic incident and police are supporting the man’s family to try and understand what happened.

Supt Platt said: “This is a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the deceased man’s family at what it is a very difficult time.”

A police spokesman added: “We are appealing for information after a man died in a road traffic collision in Wilpshire on Saturday, November 25.

“At 7.45am the man was at the wheel of a Ford Focus when the car left the road and collided with a street sign as it turned from Hollowhead Lane into Hollowhead Avenue.

“The driver, a man in his 70s, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. He may have suffered a medical episode at the wheel.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 316 of November 25.