A COMMUNITY is in shock after a man died when his car hit a tree near a country lane late on Saturday night.The 49-year-old, of Bramfield, near Halesworth, was pronounced dead at the scene after his dark blue Ford Fiesta left the road and collided with a tree.

By Sarah Chambers

A COMMUNITY is in shock after a man died when his car hit a tree near a country lane late on Saturday night.

The 49-year-old, of Bramfield, near Halesworth, was pronounced dead at the scene after his dark blue Ford Fiesta left the road and collided with a tree.

He has not yet been named by police.

The accident happened at around 11.20pm on the A144 Halesworth Road at Bramfield, close to a farm and just outside the 30mph zone.

Fire, police and ambulance crews all attended the scene.

Police said it was not believed any other vehicle was involved. There was no one else in the car.

Suffolk County Councillor for the area, Rae Leighton, said his thoughts were with the man's family.

“It's just a very sad accident at any time of year, but particularly at this time of year. “One can only feel sorry for the immediate family. I send my condolences,” he said.

Although it was a fast road, he was not aware of it being a particular accident blackspot, he said.

“It has not got a history of being a danger spot or anything of that nature,” he added.

He did not know the circumstances of the accident, but said it was within a 60mph stretch.

“There are trees along there and if you do lose it, you are likely to hit one, and it's clearly what's happened here,” he said.

“It's a very fast stretch of road, I'm afraid. People tend to come over the level crossing on the way out of Halesworth and they put their foot down before they have to slow.”

Alan Holzer, chairman of Halesworth Town Council, said news of the tragic accident had been greeted with shock.

“An accident like that on one of our rural roads is a shock for anybody,” he said.

“Round these rural roads it's a bit scary. People think the roads round here are dead easy and no problem. They don't realise they can be quite tricky with varying speed limits and things of that sort.”

Police are seeking witnesses to the accident and are asking them to call officers on 01473 613500.