A DRIVER tragically killed in a collision with a horsebox last week has been named.

Forty-eight-year-old Peter Thomas Baker died at the scene after being thrown from his vehicle at the junction of the A5117 and the A540 just after 8.30pm on Saturday. Mr Baker's tractor and trailer was involved in a collision with a Mercedes horsebox, which is believed to have impacted the rear of his trailer.

Mr Baker, of Four Oaks Farm, Powey Lane, Chester, was pronounced dead on the arrival of two ambulance crews.

The road was closed by police as firefighters worked alongside them to secure the area and begin an investigation into the crash, which tipped Mr Baker's trailer onto its side.

The 30-year-old driver of the Mercedes horsebox was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

Natalie Barnett, spokeswoman for Merseyside Regional Ambulance, said: 'Two ambulances, including a rapid response vehicle, attended a road traffic collision at 8.42pm at the junction of A5117 and the A540.

'We received assistance from paramedic crews from Clwyd but unfortunately one male casualty was pronounced dead at the scene.

'A further male casualty was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital. The scene of the accident was cordoned off.'

Mr Baker's family are due to release a statement regarding their tragic loss in the next few days.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Constabulary said: 'At 8.39pm on Saturday, October 22, a fatal road traffic collision occurred on the A5117 Shotwick to Helsby bypass.

'This involved a Mercedes horsebox and a tractor with a trailer. A local 48-year-old male, the driver of the tractor, died at the scene.'

The spokesperson added: 'Police are appealing for motorists who may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision.

'The blue Mercedes horsebox was travelling along the M56 prior to joining the A5117. The blue New Holland tractor which was towing a red silage trailer, had travelled along the A540 Parkgate Road from Saughall prior to joining the A5117.'

Witnesses should call the Western Serious Investigation Unit on 01244 613168 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.