A MAN from Burnley is in critical condition in hospital after crashing into a tree near a roundabout off the M65.

The 27-year-old was driving a silver Nissan Micra north on the A56 easterly bypass but failed to negotiate the roundabout at Junction Eight of the motorway, police said.

He suffered serious injuries in the accident at 2.50am today and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital.

The road was closed for about four hours while the incident was dealt with and police have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Sgt John Jennings-Wharton of the East Road Policing Unit said: "This collision has left a man with very serious injuries and I would appeal to anyone who saw the incident itself or the Nissan Micra in the moments before the collision to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0190 of today (Saturday, February 28).