THE headmaster of a Prestwich Islamic centre who died after a car crash in Cheshire has been named.

The incident involving a minibus and a car happened in Melrose Way, in Alderley Edge, just after midnight on Sunday.

Three members of a family from Old Trafford, who were all travelling in the same car, died as a result of the collision.

Hafiz Qari Leyakat Sidat Saab, aged 47, headmaster at the Masjid Bilal Islamic Centre, in Bury Old Road, was pronounced dead at the scene, as was his daughter, 14-year-old Hajra Bibi.

Mr Sidat's wife, Salma Bibi, aged 41, died at hospital following the incident.

A nine-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman travelling in the car were also taken to hospital and are fighting for their lives.

Their conditions were described at critical and serious respectively, by police.

In a statement Cheshire Police said: "The family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time."

The statement also confirmed that a number of people travelling in the minibus were also treated at the scene and taken to hospital.

A funeral for the three Sidat family members will be held at Southern Cemetery in Chorlton-cum-Hardy at 11am today.