A CAR plunged down an embankment near Belmont after the driver "tried to overtake another vehicle".

Two women were taken to hospital after their grey Vauxhall Astra Sport crashed in Belmont Road, near Roddlesworth, at about 8.30am today.

A female passenger was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and was treated for hip injuries.

The driver was been taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with abdominal and back pain. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Firefighters from Bolton Central station attended the scene, along with police, North West Air Ambulance, a technical response unit from Leigh fire station and fire service hazardous area specialists.

The rear of the car was badly damaged after hitting a tree.

Crew manager Phil Dearden, from Bolton Central fire station, said: “The driver was taken out of the car with a stretcher and the passenger was complaining of an injury to her hip.

“North West Air Ambulance and doctors are assisting both casualties.

“The rear of the car was completely squashed up after hitting the tree and there were no other cars involved.

“We were there for about an hour and a half.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We got the call just before 8.30am.

“A vehicle has tried to overtake and has gone down a large embankment.

“The incident took place near Winter Hill, on the Bolton side of Belmont Road.”

Anyone who saw the incident can contact police on 101.