A FATHER died after his car crashed into a primary school wall in Farnworth.

Father-of-four Steven Smith, aged 36, was driving a green Peugeot 206 when it smashed into a wall surrounding Highfield Primary School in Marsh Lane at about 2.50am on Friday.

The car was travelling along Marsh Lane, from its junction with Plodder Lane, when it lost control and swerved into the school entrance.

It crashed into the left side of the main gates of Highfield Primary School, after going through a crash barrier on the pavement.

Residents rushed from their homes to try to help Mr Smith, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are investigating the cause of the crash. No-one else was injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Specialist officers are supporting his family. 

Mr Smith's former partner, who asked not to be named, was too upset to speak to The Bolton News.

Sgt Paul Higgins from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “If anyone witnessed this collision or has any information that may assist our investigation to establish the exact circumstances around what happened, please contact us."

Highfield pupils do not return until next week but teachers were at the school assessing the damage.

David Glyn-Jones, head teacher of Highfield Primary School, said: "I have no idea quite what's happened at this stage.

"I got the call and was out here at 4am.

"Initially I had to wait as the crash scene people were taking photographs, but then I was let in and saw the damage.

"The electronic gates are broken and the crash barrier ended up a long way away, in someone's garden.

"We will be talking to our insurers and weighing up the cost of everything.

"Having seen the scene, I just think it was lucky there was no one here.

"There are bits of car everywhere, scattered in the grounds.

"It is devastating to hear that something like this has happened."

The car was removed from the road at 9.30am on Friday.

Bolton Council staff were at the scene cleaning up rubble and sweeping the road.

A spokesman said: "We have arranged for repairs to the stonework and a new guard rail. The school will open as usual on Tuesday."

Glynn Barker, who lives close to the scene, said: "It is a real pity.

"It sounds like he came through the lights at the bottom and then must have lost control.

"This road has become ridiculous, though. It has become a cut-through and it needs sleeping policemen.

"Given where the school is something needs to be done to slow the road down."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4742.