A FIREMAN was due to appear before Wigan magistrates today charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal road accident in Atherton.

Christopher Baxter, aged 33, of Atherton, has also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, failing to stop at an accident and failing to report an accident.

Detectives have also quizzed a 25-year-old man in connection with the incident but released him without charge.

Police said Robert Huyton, of Cross Street, Atherton, was lying in the middle of the road outside his home and was being helped by a friend when it is believed he was struck by a Vauxhall Astra van on Friday night.

The 22-year-old suffered serious injuries and died at the Royal Bolton Hospital just after 1am on Saturday.

The accident scene at the junction with Elmfield Avenue, was sealed off for nine hours.