Driver, 16, killed as car crashes into tree

A 16-year-old boy has died after the car he was driving left the road and hit a tree.

The teenager was behind the wheel of a BMW 318 SE in Burnley, Lancashire, when he tried to overtake another vehicle and lost control, police said.

He suffered multiple injuries in the crash in Ridge Avenue at about 9.40pm on Thursday and died later at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Police inquiries are continuing to trace the owner of the blue-coloured BMW involved in the accident.

Sergeant Nigel Ralphson, from Lancashire Police's Road Policing Unit, said: "This is an extremely tragic incident where a young man has lost his life and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, particularly the driver of a car that was being driven along Ridge Avenue at around 9.40pm from the direction of Queen's Park, which possibly had to swerve on to the nearside verge due to an oncoming car.

"Similarly, if anyone saw the blue BMW 3 series being driven around the area that evening, we would also like to speak with them."

The boy's family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 1451 of April 7.