A MAN has died after trying to stop his car roll downhill yesterday afternoon.

At around 2.20pm on Saturday the 69-year-old man returned to his Kia Sportage at the junction of Crompton Way and Crompton Vale, in Bolton, following a walk.

The car began to roll downhill and while attempting to stop it the man was run over.

Emergency services were called to the scene but the man was pronounced dead.

Sergeant Philip Shaw of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This is appears to be a tragic accident and our thoughts are with this man's family at this terribly difficult time for them.

READ MORE: Emergency services rush to Crompton Way with police tent set up

"It remains important that we conduct an investigation into the circumstances of this incident to make sure the family have answers to why this happened.

"We encourage anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the car prior to the man's return to it, or has any information that may assist our enquiries to get in touch."

One resident said: "There was a lot of police cars, a fire engine and a tent near a wooded area when I went past.

"Later on a lot of the vehicles had left but there was still a police car and the tent."

Another passer-by said yesterday: "We drove past and there are 5 police cars, a fire engine and two ambulances. There is also a crime scene tent up."

Contact police on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.