A DRIVER has died in a two-vehicle collision near Northwich.

A 61-year-old man from Northwich has died following a crash on the A556 Chester Road, near to the Vale Royal Abbey Arms pub.

Emergency services were called shortly after 4.30pm on Monday (June 17) following reports of a collision between a grey BMW 118l and a black Volkswagen Transport van.

The driver of the BMW died at the scene and his next of kin have now been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Meanwhile, a passenger from the BMW, a 48-year-old man from Chester, and the driver of the van, 70 and also from Chester, both sustained serious injuries.

Both men were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

Now, Cheshire Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage.

Chief Inspector John Forshaw, of the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit at Cheshire Police, said: “Our investigation is in the early stages, and we are committed to doing all we can to establish what took place.

“As part of our enquiries we’re keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed the collision.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who believes that they may have seen either the BMW or the van in the moments prior to the to the incident.

“We believe that the BMW had been travelling from Chester towards Northwich, while the van was travelling in the opposite direction towards Chester.

“The same goes for anyone with any dashcam footage which may aid the investigation.”

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1849570.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.

One of the cars involved in the crash caught fire and had to to be extinguished.

Speaking at 6pm on Monday (June 17), a spokesperson for CFRS said: “Shortly after 4.30pm, North West Fire Control received multiple calls reporting a serious road traffic collision involving two vehicles.

“Crews were deployed to the scene and wearing breathing apparatus have extinguished a fire involving one of the cars.

“They and colleagues from North West Ambulance Service treated three casualties.

“The casualties have been taken to hospital and one fire engine remains on the scene to assist with clear up.”