AN ELDERLY pedestrian has died after he was struck by a van as he attempted to cross the road, police said.

Residents have told how they rushed into the road near the Alma Inn pub, Manchester Road, Baxenden, after hearing a “loud bang”, but were unable to save the man’s life.

Police said the 33-year-old driver of a Citroen Relay van had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the incident in Manchester Road, near the junction with Hollins Lane.

Inspector Graham Smith said the road was closed for four hours after the accident at 9.20pm on Monday for investigations.

He said the van was travelling from Accrington towards Baxenden and it was thought that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the road from the near side.

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

Resident David Butler said the street was full of people who came out of their homes and the pub to offer help.

He said: “I heard a loud bang and rushed out to see what was going on. It was very cold and there were not many people around when the accident happened so no one seemed to know what had happened.

“The old man looked in a very bad way and people were bringing blankets and trying to help him before the police and ambulance arrived.”

Keith Simpson, landlord of the Alma Inn, said the death was a “massive shock”. He said the pensioner often went for a drink in the pub.

He said: “It is very sad.

“Everyone was upset to hear what happened. There were quite a few people in the pub at the time and we all came out to see if we could help.”

Police said the 33-year-old man from Accrington was being questioned at Greenbank police station, Blackburn.Wit-nesses should call 0845 1 25 35 45.