Cemetery wall death smash

The fatal-crash car is taken away by police

Cricket chairman dies in freak accident

CROMPTON Cricket Club chairman Stewart Howarth has died in a freak car accident.

Mr Howarth’s Ford Escort ploughed into a cemetery wall at high speed after he collapsed at the wheel.

Shocked residents of Fraser Street, Shaw rushed to help but could do nothing. Firefighters cut his body free from the wreckage.

PC Paul Joynson said: “There’s no sign of him braking and he was well in excess of the speed limit when it crashed.”

A police spokeswoman added today: “We are investigating the circumstances but it would appear the driver collapsed at the wheel.”

Anyone who saw the blue Escort around the time of the crash — around 6.45pm — is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4742.

One witness said: “I heard this car come roaring up the road. I heard it go flat out and it went straight across and didn’t stop. There was a huge bang. Everyone came out of their house to see what was going on.”

Tributes were this morning being paid to Mr Howarth, who had been involved with Crompton Cricket Club all his life.

Captain Carl Taylor said: “He lived for the club, from the juniors to the senior team. It’s a tragic thing and a lot of people are in shock.

“Stewart did everything for the club, from supporting the teams to off field activities. It won’t be the same.”