POLICE were today waiting to question the driver of a stolen car after an horrific crash which killed a 15-year-old youth.

Front seat passenger James Willock of Peel Mount, Knuzden, died after the high-powered Ford Escort XR3i failed to negotiate a left hand bend, crashed into a wall and split into two pieces on Broadhead Road, Pickup Bank.

Police vehicle experts are to examine the wreckage of the car to find out if there was any defect that might have contributed to the accident or to the way it broke apart.

The driver of the car, 18-year-old Mark Johnson of Margaret Street, Oswaldtwistle, suffered chest and leg injuries and is detained at Blackburn Royal Infirmary. His condition was today described as "very poorly". One of the three teenagers - two males and one female -in the rear of the vehicle was treated for minor injuries and all three were questioned about being allowed to be carried in a stolen vehicle. Their names have not been released by police.

They have been released on police bail pending further inquiries into the incident which happened on Saturday afternoon.

The red Escort XR3i had been stolen in Oswaldtwistle on Friday.

Inspector Harry Bretherton, of Blackburn police, said the vehicle would be closely examined to find out if there was any defect that may have contributed to the accident.

One resident who lives near the crash scene described it as "carnage"

"It was a terrible sight and very upsetting," she said.

"Some of the boy's family and friends came here to lay flowers after it happened."

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