A DRIVER who died after crashing into a telegraph pole and a wall while being pursued by police has been named.

The 24-year-old man, named locally as Qamar Aslam, died following the crash in Buncer Lane, Blackburn, on Saturday morning.

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An investigation has been launched following the fatal crash which happened moments after police attempted to pull over the man’s Renault Clio.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Aslam, who it is understood was due to turn 25 yesterday.

Mr Aslam, who was from the Queens Park area, has been described as a ‘quiet, hardworking man’.

Queens Park ward councillor Faryad Hussain, a family friend, said: “I know Mr Aslam’s father. I have known him for a number of years.

“They are a very respected family. It is a real tragic loss for the family.

“Qamar was a quiet hard-working lad. It was his birthday yesterday.

“I would ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this time and give them chance to grieve their tragic loss.”

Police said the incident happened in Buncer Lane at 4.30am and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Chief Inspector Jon Bullas said: “This is a tragic incident and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is underway.

“Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the family of the man who has sadly died at this time.”

A police spokesman said the Clio was seen by police in Buncer Lane and officers signalled for it to stop.

A short distance later, the Clio crashed into a post and wall, the spokesman said.

The spokesman added: “An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and it has been referred to the IPCC as a matter of routine.”

After becoming trapped in the crash Mr Aslam was cut free from his vehicle by firefighters.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital but died on Saturday morning.

Buncer Lane was closed for around six hours at the junctions with Wensley Road and Redlam while investigation work was carried out. It has now fully re-open.

A nearby resident said: “It is really shocking to hear that the young man has died. What has happened is really sad.

“I know some of us first realised something was wrong when we woke-up and saw the whole road was blocked.

“It was later we found out how serious the accident had been.”

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police on 101 quoting log number 246 of March 4.