A MAN, aged 42, has died after a crash in which the driver of the other vehicle involved fled the scene.

The crash happened in Higginshaw Lane, in Royton on February 1 at 9.40pm between a silver Ford Focus and a blue Toyota Avensis.

The four men inside the silver Ford Focus got out of the car and fled the scene.

The driver of the Toyota Avensis was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries where despite the best efforts of doctors, he died on February 18.

Three other people who were also travelling in the Toyota were taken to hospital with serious injuries. They still remain in hospital and are recovering from their injuries.

Three men were arrested in connection with the collision.

Two men, aged 26 and 36, were arrested the following day on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

On Sunday, February 8, a 29-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The 26-year-old has since been released with no further action whilst the 36-year-old was release under investigation and the 29-year-old was bailed pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

Police Constable Paul Joynson of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a terrible and tragic incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life and his family and friends losing a loved one. We’re doing everything we can to support them at this devastating time and our thoughts remain with them.

“Officers are working strenuously to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information regarding the four men that fled the scene to get in touch as soon as possible.

“If you have any dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist with our enquiries then I would urge you to get in touch with our team as footage could prove vital in our search for more evidence.”

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 3327 of 01/02/20.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.