An East Lancashire MP has paid tribute following the tragic death of a 17-year-old on the M65 in the early hours of Wednesday.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also paid tribute, sending their "deepest condolences" to family and loved ones at this awful time.

The girl, from Darwen, was killed in a crash that occurred on the motorway near Burnley at around 3.30am on October 2.

Andy Macnae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, where the victim was from, said: “This is a truly tragic incident, and my thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”

Three other teenagers, the driver, a male aged 17, plus two female passengers aged 17 and 19, suffered serious injuries and remain in hospital.

Emergency services arrived at 3.37am near Junction 9 eastbound on the motorway near the Burnley exit, which was closed for most of the day on Wednesday as police carried out investigations.

The Seat Ibiza which the group were travelling in was involved in the collision with two other cars, Lancashire Police said.

Having suffered multiple serious injuries, the girl was taken to hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Following the incident, Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

"My sincere best wishes for a quick recovery are with those injured, and they remain in my thoughts at this distressing time.

"Lastly, while this is an evolving situation, I would like to thank all our emergency services, responding to these incidents is never easy and I know you always do your utmost to keep us safe.”

Julie Gunn, executive member for children, young people and education for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “Our thoughts at the council are with the family and loved ones of the young girl who tragically lost her life in the accident on Wednesday, and I would like to send all our deepest condolences at this awful time.

“We are also thinking of the three other young people who have suffered serious injuries in the same collision, and the many people in our community who have been shocked and affected by this tragedy.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of what caused the incident and they are appealing to anyone who either saw what happened or who has dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.

They are asking to anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 0123 of Wednesday October 2 or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.