POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a head on collision claimed two lives and left two others in hospital.

The accident happened at about 8pm on Tuesday April 13 on the A582 Farington Road at Lostock Hall.

A white Vauxhall Astra and a black Fiat Bravo travelling in opposite directions collided above the railway bridge between the roundabout at Croston Road, and the one at Watkin Lane.

Police have not yet released the names of those involved, but confirmed that all the victims were local to the area. The family of one of the dead people is abroad at the moment and police were last night still trying to contact them.

The driver of the Fiat, a man whose age is unknown, and the passenger, a man of 37, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The 35-year-old driver of the Vauxhall and his passenger, a man of 47, were taken to Royal Preston Hospital with serious injuries.

Police road safety officer, Sgt Alan Barron, is investigating the case. He said: "We have not formally identified all the victims yet, and not all the families have been informed yet as some are on holiday abroad."

Peter Lovett-Horn, spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary, said: "We cannot release any details until the family have been informed, we are hoping to contact them as soon as possible."

Emergency services were called out. A spokesman for the fire service said: "Two of our crews from Bamber Bridge and the incident support unit from Chorley attended the scene and released four casualties at 20.06."

The road was cordoned off at the roundabouts at either end of the road, and it remained closed until about midnight.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact Sgt Barron on 01257 246281.