A RETIRED teacher has died after a car crashed into a railway bridge in the early hours of the morning.

Howard Thornthwaite, 63,  of Sutton, was killed when his car, a Ford Fiesta, struck the rail bridge on Peasley Cross Lane, close to Saints' Langtree Park.

Emergency Services were called at around 4.30am following reports of the collision.

Mr Thornthwaite died at the scene.

A statement was today issued on behalf of his wife of more than 37 years, Anne, which read: "Howard, born in Cumbria, taught technology for many years in St Helens schools before taking up the post of technician at St Cuthbert's High School.  He retired earlier this year.

"Howard enjoyed supporting Liverpool St Helens at Moss Lane where he was a fixture on the touchline."

A police spokesman said: "The incident was not weather-related."

Peasley Cross Lane was closed this morning between Sherdley Road and the A58 to allow police to carry out their investigations.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.