A driver who died after losing control of his three-wheeled kit car and crashing into a lampost on a busy Bolton road has been named.

The driver of the three-wheeled Grinnall car was Kenneth Holmes, aged 60, of Rutherford Drive, Bolton. He suffered fatal injuries in the crash on Beaumont Road and died at the scene.

The accident happened at 12.40pm yesterday.

Firefighters cut him free from the wreckage but he died at the scene.

The road was closed for more than four hours as police investigated the accident.

Neighbours who live in nearby Armadale Road heard the bang and rushed to look outside.

One resident said: “I heard a vehicle accelerating and then there was a bang.

“I looked through the window and the vehicle was in pieces. Then all the emergency services arrived.

Another added: “The lampost was twisted round and facing the wrong way so the bike must have hit it with some force.

“The vehicle was on its side against the lampost and there was a crowd of people around.

”I went to see if I could help but there was nothing we could do.”

Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene.

One card read: “Although we did not know you we witnessed this tragic accident. Good night, God bless.”

In 2003 Bolton Council spent £3 million improving Beaumont Road, which was classed as one of the most dangerous in Bolton.

Between 2000 to 2003 there were 21 accidents which resulted in 31 casualties.

Cllr Alan Rushton, a ward councillor for Heaton and Lostock, saw the aftermath of the accident.

He said: “I drove past at 1.20pm and there were about half a dozen police cars there.

“Drivers have been known to go faster than the 50mph speed limit which is imposed. It used to be a 60mph road before the improvement works five years ago, but it was reduced. I don’t think it could be reduced any more because it is a dual carriageway.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to call 0161 856 7201.