AN elderly motorist died after his car left the road and collided with a lamppost in Felixstowe.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to the incident, which happened in Mill Lane.

Despite efforts to resuscitate the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

A police spokeswoman said the name of the man, who is understood to be in his 80s and from the town, would not be released until all his next of kin had been informed.

The accident happened just after 9.40am in Mill Lane on the west side of the Garrison Lane traffic lights, and police said the Honda car was the only vehicle involved.

The road was closed for a time while the emergency services attended to the victim and organised for the car to be removed.

Contractors from highways maintenance company Carillion also attended the scene to remove the damaged lamp-post and make the pathway safe.

One resident said: “I saw the fire engine arrive and the car off the road.

“It is awful to think that someone has died in an accident in the street where you live. It’s very sad.”

The coroner has been informed of the man’s death.

Police are appealing for witness to the accident and are asking anyone who saw what happened to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101.