A mother from Bradford was killed and her daughter was left fighting for her life after their car smashed into a lamppost.

The housewife and her 22-year-old daughter, who was today in a serious condition in hospital, both had to be cut free from the Vauxhall Cavalier after the accident which happened just before 9pm last night.

Both were taken to Leeds General Infirmary but the woman, from Manningham, later died.

Her daughter, also from Manningham, was being treated for back and leg injuries.

The women had been driving towards Bradford on the A467 Stanningley bypass when the car left the road and hit a lamppost near the junction with Leeds outer ring road.

No other car was involved in the accident.

Firefighters from Stanningley and Leeds were called to the accident to free the women from the wreck.

It is understood firefighters battled for around 45 minutes to cut the women from the car.

Inspector Mick Starkey, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "The car was travelling from Leeds when it left the carriageway and collided with a lamppost.

"The driver and the passenger were trapped in the vehicle and had to be released by firefighters."

Two paramedic crews and a rapid response car from West Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended the accident.

The Stanningley bypass was closed for around four hours after the accident while an investigation got underway.

Witnesses are urged to contact Pudsey road traffic officers on (0113) 241 4859.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to open early next week.