A MAN who died following a crash in west Cumbria had fallen ill at the wheel, police say.

It is believed the 74-year-old from Whitehaven suffered a medical episode and collided with a fence in St Bees.

He was unresponsive at the scene. Members of the public assisted before paramedics arrived.

The man was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital where he died a short time later. 

Police were called at 7.40am to reports of the crash on the B5345, St Bees Road, near the junction with Mirehouse Road.

His family have been informed and are being assisted by specially trained officers. 

The road was closed for four hours from the Sandwith junction to the Wilson Pit Road junction while police carried out investigations. Motorists and pedestrians were asked to use alternative routes.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.