FRIENDS are rallying to support and encourage Sean McLoughlin, who is fighting for his life in hospital after the Friday Bridge car crash which killed his one-year-old daughter Francesca.

Mr McLoughlin, 47, a former Royal Engineer, was the driver of a Peugeot in Monday’s crash who was seriously injured and flown by helicopter to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

He is thought to be in an induced coma after a lengthy, major operation; his condition has not been released by the hospital.

His one-year-old daughter Francesca, who was travelling with him, died in the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Francesca’s mother, Sara Hibbins, is thought to have been at home in March when the accident happened.

Friends of Mr McLoughlin describe him as “such a nice guy” and are leaving prayers and messages on his Facebook page urging him to pull through.

Zoe Swindells posted: “Come on Sean you can do this. Sending our love and thinking about you loads.”

Neil Gamble posted: “Sending some love for you.”

Known locally as “Shaun the Sheep”, Mr McLoughlin is a former Royal Engineer with the British Army and has served overseas in Libya.

He is also captain of The George pub pool team in March.

The accident happened at 10.17am on Monday when a Peugeot 307 and a Ford Mondeo were involved in a collision on the B1101 between March and Wisbech.

Paramedics battled to resuscitate Francesca at the roadside but she died at the scene.

The driver of the Ford Mondeo, a 49-year-old man from Nordelph, was injured but has now been discharged from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Chris Huggins said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision.”

Anyone with information should contact the roads policing unit on: 101.