A HIGH-FLYING businessman has died in a horrific road smash. Former Mount Carmel High School pupil Matthew Saporita, 23, pictured, was killed when a friend's high-powered Subaru Impreza car crashed into a wall at 12.45am on Tuesday.

Firemen cut the pair from the vehicle but Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene in Rising Bridge Road, Haslingden.

The driver, an Oswaldtwistle man who police have refused to name, was taken to Fairfield Hospital, Bury, where he was treated for cuts and bruises and later released.

Matthew's mum Wendy Moss, 52, this week paid tribute to her "brilliant son", saying: "He was bubbly, so full of life and chasing dreams. He lived life to the full and was a fantastic character. He was a gentle giant with everything to live for.

"He was so openly loving and affectionate. I am going to miss the sound of his voice saying: 'Hi mum, love you.' We are going to miss him so much."

Matthew, whose family live in Whalley Road, Accrington, had moved to Leeds where he had set up three successful construction businesses. He was back in Accrington for a week to visit family and friends.

His stepdad Bernie Moss, 52, said: "He was on the way up. He was a confident, ambitious lad who was a pleasure to be with. He made it easy for me to accept him as a son after his dad Joe died in 1998. Matthew made us very proud."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Sergeant Russell Gregory, of Colne Traffic Police, said: "There was a man at the scene who said he saw the accident but he had vanished by the time officers could deal with him. We are very keen to trace him and interview him.

"We believe the pair had been on a night out and before the accident the vehicle was driven along back roads in Accrington, Haslingden and Blackburn. Anyone who saw it should come forward."

Matthew, an award-winning swimmer and Burnley FC season ticket-holder, also leaves his girlfriend Rachel, 21, sister Nicola, 25, her fiance Alex, 24, grandparents Jim and Kate Turton, nephew AJ, niece Elle, family in Sicily and countless friends.

An inquest will be held into Matthew's death, and no date has yet been set for a funeral.

If you can help the police, call 01282-472431.