A MAN has spoken of how he tried to help the victims of a fatal crash at Laycock last night.

The villager was first on the scene of the accident, in which the driver died.

He rang 999 and gave the emergency services what information he could over the phone.

And he then used the headlights of his car to provide extra light as police and paramedics worked at the scene.

The accident happened shortly after 11pm in Laycock Lane.

A blue Fiat Punto left the road and collided with a road sign and tree.

The driver, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released by police.

Two other occupants of the vehicle, a man in his 20s and the other in his late teens, received serious injuries and were taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

The older man is said today to be in a critical condition.

Another passenger, a boy in his early teens, received minor injuries.

The villager, who asked not to be named, said he had just let his dog out the house when a passing cyclist told him something had happened "in the dip on the road".

"I got in my car and went straight there," he said.

"It was pitch black. The spot where it happened is notoriously bad at night.

"The Fiat was up against a tree.

"Someone was screaming but otherwise it was really quiet. I was the only other person there at that time.

"I phoned 999 and within a few minutes a first response ambulance arrived and then the police.

"I stayed to do what I could for the emergency services until they said I was OK to leave. Police then came later to take a statement.

"It's a really sad situation and I feel for the families and friends of those involved."

District councillor Cath Bacon, whose Keighley West ward includes Laycock, voiced her shock and sorrow at what happened.

"It's a tragedy and a terrible waste of life," she said.

"And coming so soon after the fatal accident on the A629 earlier in the day, it brings home the dangers on our roads."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Anyone who saw the collision or the movements of the vehicle prior to it is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101, quoting log 2127 of 24 May.