A DRIVER found dead in his up-turned car following an accident on a notorious blackspot has been named as Blackburn man Rizwan Mitha.

Mr Mitha, 20, of Whalley New Road, was discovered by officers following a report from a passer-by that a car was lying on its roof in a field at the corner of Elton Road and the Grane Road near the Belthorn turn-off.

Police received the call at around 10.45pm but said the Hyundai Lantra Saloon could have been there for some time.

Mr Mitha was found in the car and pronounced dead on the scene from fatal head injuries. Nobody else was in the car.

Police believe the car was travelling from Haslingden towards Blackburn when the driver lost control on a left hand bend and crashed through a stone wall.

It is thought Mr Mitha may have been travelling home from work at the time of the crash.

The road was closed for two hours while police investigated the scene.

Mr Mitha's next of kin are currently abroad on holiday and have been contacted by police.

Inquiries are ongoing into the accident and police are appealing for witnesses to contact Blackburn Police on 51212.