MYSTERY motorists could hold the key to a crash which killed a teenage car passenger.

Andrew James Whitby, aged 18, from Skipton Close, Bury, died after being thrown 20 feet from a car in Bradshaw Road last Friday.

Now traffic police are appealing for the drivers of a car and a motorbike seen passing the scene shortly before the accident to contact them.

The teenager was a back seat passenger in a metallic green Peugeot 106 GTi, which was being driven by a friend when it spun out of control on a bend near Tottington Road.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital with severe head injuries after the accident at 12.30am but died an hour later.

The 19-year-old driver, from Ramsbottom, had to be cut out of the car by firefighters and a second passenger, aged 19, also from Bury, suffered back injuries. A police spokesman said the driver is believed to have been overtaking another vehicle when he lost control on a bend near the junction with Tottington Road.

PC Paul Shore, from Bolton police traffic unit, said: "A witness living nearby told us that they saw a car and a motorbike driven by someone wearing a bright helmet just before the accident.

"We would like to speak to anyone who might have information to help our inquiry."

Anyone with information should ring the traffic unit on 0161 856 5972.

csatchell@boltoneveningnews.co.uk

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