A woman believed to be in her late teens has died after plunging from the Accrington Arndale Centre car park roof, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the service yard of the Arndale Centre at around 10am. They are not treating her death as suspicious.

Lancashire Police said the woman was in her 'late teens' and is now the fifth death at the shopping complex since 2009.

They said they expect to release the exact age of the teenager and some more information after her next of kin have been informed.

The North West Ambulance Service said they were called at 10.16am after reports of a woman on the roof of the car park.

She was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital was a 'major trauma case' after suffering 'massive head injuries' but sadly passed away.

A spokesperson said: “They were non-survivable head injuries.”

Police cordoned off part of Union Street and the Eastgate in Accrington town centre for emergency services to attend the scene.

The road was reopened just after midday.

One shopworker on Union Street said: “There was a big crowd on the street and the road was close off. I didn't see what happened but it's very sad.”

Another shopworker in the Arndale Centre said: “I've been told what' happened it's very sad when this happens. My thoughts go to her family and friends.”

Tributes have poured into the Observer Facebook page following news of the tragic death.

Sarah Howarth: “R.I.P such a young girl cant believe its happened xx prayers to her family xx”

Rebecca Shread said: “Poor girl, poor family x”

Eddp Dyriwpedi said: “R I P young lady may you rest in peace.”

Jayne Douglas said: “This is happening way to often now, something seriously needs to be done!!!”

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said there had now been a 'very disturbing' number of deaths at the centre.

He told the Observer: “It's very concerning and is something that the Arndale Centre has previously looked at.

“I'm sure the owners of the Arndale Centre will want to address this as there have been a very disturbing amount of incidents now from the car park.

“It is very disturbing as well for the people who witness it.”

The Observer reported last year how Hyndburn Coroner Michael Singleton would write to the owners of the Arndale Centre following a woman's death.

Mr Singleton said it was the 'third of fourth similar incident' since 2009.

In September we also revealed how shopping centre centre were putting measures in place to help prevent deaths at the site following the coroner's concerns.

The measures adopted included increasing patrols across the centre, staff working alongside the Samaritans charity to receive training and holding public awareness days.

New signage, provided by the Samaritans, was installed at strategic locations in the centre including the top floor car park.

Arndale Centre bosses were unavailable for comment on Thursday.