A PENSIONER died after his car crashed into the boundary wall of Heaton Park, despite the efforts of three passing motorists.

Mr Michael Say (83), of Bailey Street, Prestwich, was driving along Middleton Road at around 9pm on Thursday, December 20, when his Ford Fiesta veered off the road.

The car crashed into the wall near to the entrance of Heaton Park tramway, close to the junction with Victoria Avenue.

No other vehicle was involved. Mr Say was taken to North Manchester General Hospital where he later died. Mr Jamie Binns, who was travelling in a car behind with two teenage friends, said the Fiesta suddenly swerved to the left and ploughed into the wall.

Mr Binns, of Duckworth Road, Prestwich, who is in his 20s, said: "We stopped and jumped out to help but the man's car door was locked and there was smoke coming from under the bonnet."

He said he and his friends, Adam Balaban (14) and 16-year-old Bobby Swerdlow, both from Whitefield, managed to smash the glass on the passenger side and climb through to reach Mr Say.

Mr Binns said: "Adam and Bobby were brilliant. They were extremely calm and called the emergency services while I tried to resuscitate him. They took instructions over the phone and we tried to calm the man down.

"He was mumbling at first but became unconscious. It looked like he had had a heart attack."

An ambulance arrived soon after and paramedics took over.

"We were all a bit shaken and I've got a bruised hand trying to open the door," added Jamie. "But at the time we didn't think about it."

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the police on 856 3574.