Sand in the road where 58-year-old Peter Gallienne’s car hit a wall in Castle Road early yesterday. He was found dead in the vehicle. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0783339)

POLICE are today resuming inquiries into how a middle-aged man was found dead in a wrecked car.

Peter Gallienne, 58, whose address has not been released, was discovered in the early hours of yesterday.

A passing motorist saw a Chevrolet Matiz which had struck a granite wall in Castle Road, Vale, at 2.20am.

He subsequently contacted police and the emergency services.

Mr Gallienne, the only occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene by the emergency services.

A spokesman said he had not survived the impact.

The incident was at the Rue des Barras junction but there was very little indication of the seriousness of the impact yesterday.

Residents said they heard nothing of the crash until it was announced by the media.

A spokesman for police said: ‘We are working closely with the family of the deceased and extend their sympathy to them at this sad time.’

• Police are appealing for witnesses on 725111 or on 0800 555 111