A MAN died after his car crashed through a fence and careered down a steep wooded embankment.

Fifty-seven-year-old Tom Torkington was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Bolton Hospital after paramedics had rescued him from the wreckage.

Mr Torkington, of Beedon Avenue, Little Lever, was driving his Ford Mondeo along Manchester Road towards Farnworth when he lost control near the junction with Smiths Lane.

The car crashed through a fence and careered down a 20 metre embankment before coming to rest in woodland near Moses Gate. Mr Torkington suffered serious head injuries in the crash. It is not clear why his car left the road and a post mortem was being carried out today.

This morning neighbours of Mr Torkington were shocked to learn of his death.

The widower, who was said to have "kept himself, to himself", is believed to have recently spent some time in hospital with heart problems.

He worked as a refuse collector with Salford Council and is thought to have been returning home from work when the incident occured.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident which happened at about 1.50pm.yesterday. Anyone with information should call 0161 872 5050.

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