AN elderly man who was involved in a crash on the A580 East Lancs Road near Leigh has died, police have confirmed.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the crash that has closed the A580 East Lancs Road between Atherleigh Way and Lane Head in Leigh.

The collision, involving a car and a lorry, left the elderly man trapped in his vehicle.

A police spokesman said: "A red Citroen Picasso had collided with a lorry on the westbound side of the road.

"An elderly man passenger in the Picasso suffered serious leg injuries in the collision and was airlifted to hospital.

"No-one else was believed to be injured in the collision.

"Two men, the drivers of the vehicles involved, have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and are now in police custody."

The road has been closed westbound at its junction with Atherleigh Way and will remain so for some time.

Ambulance crews were initially called at 3.55pm today, Wednesday.

Officers are urging motorists to avoid the area if possible as there are 'significant tailbacks' in both directions.