A man and a 17-month-old girl were killed in a collision in Tarleton this morning, police have confirmed.

Police were called to the scene on Hesketh Lane, near to the junction with Oaklands Avenue, at 8.26am this morning (February 4) to reports a Land Rover Discovery had collided with a Mini Cooper and then a tree.

A man, aged 50, and a girl, aged 17 months, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mini was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Hesketh Lane was closed in both directions between Firbank Avenue and Gorse Lane for a number of hours but has now re-opened.

Read more: Business owner fears park café at risk after BT glitch leaves her without phone line for weeks

Police have said the loved ones of those who have died are being supported by specially-trained officers and urged the public to refrain from speculating regarding the incident.

They are now appealing for information, witnesses and footage related to the incident.

Sgt Matt Davidson, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “These are terribly sad and tragic circumstances that have resulted in a man, and a young girl losing their lives this morning. Our thoughts are very much with their loved ones at this awful time.

“We would ask that you refrain from speculation online and would like to thank the members of the local community for their patience and understanding whilst our officers carried out their investigations today.

“We are now appealing to you, the public, to ask that if you witnessed this collision, or have any dashcam or CCTV footage from Hesketh Lane or the surrounding areas between 8:00am and 8:30am this morning to please get in contact.

“We believe that there are people who may have witnessed the collision, or the white Land Rover Discovery in the moments beforehand, that we have not yet spoken to. If that is you, or you know someone who may have witnessed this collision, please get in touch.”

If you do have any information, CCTV or Dashcam footage please contact police at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting log 0407 of February 4, 2024.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines