AN inquest has been opened into the death of a soldier killed in a crash.

Tony Emery, aged 24, from Westhoughton, died after the red VW Golf he was driving crashed near to the Kearsley roundabout on the A666 northbound on Monday. Fusilier Emery, who served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died at the scene.

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Bolton Coroners’ Court.

His passenger, Paige Jeffery, aged 20, suffered serious injuries but is expected to make a full recovery She remains in hospital.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed.