A TEENAGE footballer was killed as a car and a bus collided head-on.

Daniel Connor, 18, was driving a Ford Escort in Salterforth Road, Earby, at 7.20pm yesterday when it collided with a single-deck Burnley and Pendle bus close to the junction with Warwick Drive.

Daniel, of Tyseley Grove, Earby, was trapped in the wreckage as the front of the car was crushed.

A resident in Salterforth Road today spoke of the moment he raced to the scene to help.

James Drake, 24, said: "We had the patio doors open and I heard a small screech and then a big bang. I went to see what had happened. The bus was wedged into the trees and the car was at an angle where it had been spun round.

I called the police and they and the ambulance arrived within about a minute and a half.

"I grabbed some towels for the driver of the car because he was bleeding.

"It was horrible. I am in shock now. I didn't know him personally but my brother used to play football with him for Earby Town.

"He was trapped in the car so the fire brigade cut the door off to get him out.

"We were told later that he had died. I just want to send my commiserations to his family for what they must be going through."

The incident happened as Daniel was driving up the hill of Salterforth Road towards Barnoldswick.

The bus was coming down the hill towards Earby and the front of Daniel's car was crushed in the collision, trapping him inside.

Firefighters used cutting equipment to release him from his car but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Bus driver Matloob Hussain, 30, of Walter Street, Brierfield, is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle but was not taken to hospital. Police said a female passenger, who has not been named, suffered a bump to the head.

Salterforth Road was sealed off by police and guarded by an officer for more than three hours as recovery vehicles towed away the car and bus. It reopened at around 11.45pm.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing. Any witnesses to the incident should contact 01282 472431.