A TAXI driver died when his cab hit a kerb and rolled down an embankment on the Edenfield bypass early yesterday.

The 49-year-old cabbie, who has not been named but was from the Manchester area, crashed over a roadside barrier before his vehicle careered down a slope and collided with a tree.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which is only believed to have involved the taxi driver’s grey Ford Galaxy car, just after the Rawtenstall junction.

Sgt Tracy Ward, of the road policing unit, said the crash was reported at around 5.30am. But it is believed that it could have occurred two or three hours before.

Sgt Ward said: “It appears that he lost control on a right-hand bend. The vehicle has struck the nearside kerb and gone over the crash barrier.

“It has then gone a short distance down an embankment and has struck on of the trees below the road.

“We do not suspect that any other vehicle was involved.”

The vehicle involved was a licensed Manchester City Council private hire car.

People who witnessed the crash or its immediate aftermath is asked to contact Sgt Ward on 01282 472431.