A PENSIONER has died in an early morning crash after a car hit a tree.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the collision near Kidderminster at about 12.40am today.

Emergency services were called to the junction of the B4189 Park Gate Road and the A451 Stourbridge Road near the Park Gate pub to reports a red Vauxhall Agila had left the carriageway and struck a tree.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene, but it soon became clear nothing could be done to save the driver.

The 78-year-old man from the Kidderminster area, was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not yet been named.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "On arrival crews found a car that had been in collision with a tree.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the driver of the car, a man, and he was confirmed deceased on scene."

Roads were closed until about 4am to allow detectives to investigate the cause of the crash and for the vehicle to be removed.

PC Dave Langridge, of West Mercia Police, said: "As with all fatal and serious injury collisions, there will be a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

"Our thoughts are with the elderly man's family and friends at this sad time."

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to call PC Langridge or Sergeant Matt Eddy at the Force Operations Support Team at Rubery Police Station on 101, quoting incident number 13-s-100113.