A tragic accident claimed the life of a pregnant woman, despite a bid by paramedics to save her life at the scene.

Sajida Parveen, 30, of Accrington, was fatally injured when her Honda Civic car was involved in a head-on collision with a Vauxhall Vectra in Blackburn Road, Knuzden.

The road was closed for three hours as firefighters cut her from the car and paramedics treated her but she died at the scene, close to the Old Mother Redcap pub and restaurant.

Police said her passengers were all relatives and from Accrington. A rear seat passenger was also pregnant. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the accident but the baby, which was delivered at Blackburn Infirmary, died.

An inquest was opened into the death of the child, referred to as Baby Bi.

The driver of the Vauxhall, Yasmin Khan, 26, of Accington, was also treated for a cut knee.

Inspector Graham Keyte said the accident happened when Mrs Parveen was driving towards Blackburn.

He said, "Indications are that the vehicle was attempting to overtake but hit an on-coming car travelling towards Oswaldtwistle."

Station Officer John Pinner, from Hyndburn fire station, said: "We managed to get her out of the car and the paramedics gave her treatment.

"They worked on her for quite a while but there was nothing they could do."

Police have appealed for witnesses and asked if people can call the Road Policing Unit in Accrington on 01254 353764.