Driver dies after skidding on icy road

Police say 37-year-old Agnieszka Cecot, from Southport, lost control of her vehicle on a slight left-hand bend in treacherous conditions on the A565 Southport New Road near to Tarleton just before 7am.

The vehicle left the carriageway and collided with a street sign and a tree.

She was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital, but died from her injuries soon after arrival.

The smash was one of a number of collisions reported across Lancashire due to icy conditions.

A second driver received serious injuries in a separate incident in the Tarleton area at around 8.20am.

Officers say the man was badly hurt when his van skidded into a curtain-sided lorry on Shore Road, Hesketh Bank.

He was taken to hospital but, while his injuries were described as “serious,” they are not thought to be life-threatening.

The first incident closed the eastbound carriageway of the A565 between Mere Brow and Tarleton traffic lights for several hours.

An investigation into the collision at the junction with Blackgate Lane is continuing and a diversion was put in place.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said relatives of Ms Cecot had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers.

Sgt Nigel Ralphson, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a serious collision which has sadly cost a woman her life.

“I would appeal for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact police on 101 quoting log number 0329 of Sunday, January 29.”