DETECTIVES are investigating a fatal hit and run accident in Atherton.

A 22-year-old man was lying in the middle of Cross Street being helped by a friend when he was struck by a Vauxhall Astra van.

He was dragged along the road by the van before the occupants jumped out, removed him from beneath the vehicle and sped off.

The victim suffered serious injuries and died at the Royal Bolton Hospital just after 1am.

Specialist search officers have been called in and the area around the accident, which happened at the junction with Elmfield Avenue, has been sealed off.

Anyone who saw the white van is asked to contact the police on 0161-856-7072.