A man has died and three others have been injured in a car crash in Hale.

The accident happened at about 1.10am on Saturday, when the driver of a Ford Focus traveling along Clay Lane lost control and smashed into a tree near the junction of Canterbury Road.

The three passengers managed to escape from the car as it burst into flame, but the 22-year-old driver was trapped inside and died at the scene.

All three men, aged 21, 21 and 25 were taken to hospital with various serious, but not life threatening injuries.

Sgt Brian Orr said: "Our thoughts and sympathy go out to this young man’s family at this tragic time.

“We have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision - if you witnessed the incident, please come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with any information can call the police's serious collision investigation unit on 0161 8564741.