A MAN died after his car left the road and crashed into a tree, less than a week after another motorist lost his life in a similar accident at Abberley.

Fire crews from Upton-upon-Severn and Malvern were called to the scene on the B4211 Worcester Road near to the lay-by on the Upton side of Rhydd, near Malvern.

The vehicle - a grey Ford Escort - was travelling from Upton towards Callow End when it crossed the road and hit the tree.

Firefighters spent about 20 minutes cutting the motorist free, but he was pronounced dead.

The accident happened at about 9pm on Friday night.

Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed his body to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Gordon Blunstone, of Worcester Road, who lives near the accident scene, said he was aware something had happened as traffic had been held up.

He said: "I was at home at the time, but I didn't know what was causing the traffic halted. When I learned what had happened it came as a bit of shock."

He added that there had been another fatal accident about three years ago on the same stretch of road when a motorist hit a tree on the other side.

The latest crash comes only a week after 31-year-old Matthew Male, of Abberley, died after his car collided with a tree on the A443 north of Hallow, near Worcester. An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

Speaking about the latest accident, nearby resident Nick Parsons, also of Worcester Road, said he had seen just seen the emergency flashing lights.

He added: "I knew there had been an accident but I didn't hear a thing."

Police have yet to release the details of the motorist until they inform next of kin.

They are appealing for information regarding the incident. Contact Pc Edwards at Pershore police station on 08457 444 88.