A MAN is believed to have suffered a massive heart attack seconds before his car ploughed into a fence at a Horwich factory.

John Mailey, aged 68, was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car after the accident on the car park of the Fort James factory in Mansell Way, Horwich.

He was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics but died a short time later despite frantic efforts to save his life at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The tragedy happened at 9.35am on Saturday as Mr Mailey of Alston Road, Whelley, Wigan, was leaving the Horwich factory.

Mr Mailey, a former employee, had been visiting the firm's shop.

A police spokesman said Mr Mailey started the engine of the Ford Fiesta on a private car park.

The vehicle suddenly careered forwards across a lawned area and crashed into a wire mesh fence.

Security men on the site ran to the car and tried to revive Mr Mailey before paramedics arrived on the scene.

Mr Mailey is believed to have had a history of angina. His death has been reported to the Coroner.

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