A DRIVER based in Bolton was in a serious motorway crash during today's morning rush hour.

Emergency services were called to the M65 between junction three, Wheelton, and junction four, Darwen, at 8.45am when a Renault box van collided with an HGV in lane one.

A driver for Global Interiors in Astley Bridge was in one of the vehicles.

Global Interiors confirmed one of their drivers was in the crash, with staff said to be in shock.

The driver of the van, a 37-year-old man from Wigan, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with a serious break to his right leg. The passenger in the van, a 24-year-old man from Atherton, suffered a neck injury which is not thought to be serious. The driver of the HGV, a 34-year-old man from Barking, was uninjured.

Lane three of the motorway was kept open to ease congestion, however lanes one and two were closed until around midday while specialist accident investigators attended the scene.

Police are now appealing for information about the incident and would like to speak to anybody who saw what happened or who might have dashcam footage.

Sgt Claire Pearson, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "The driver of the van has suffered a serious leg injury and first and foremost we wish him the very best with his recovery.

"We are now trying to piece together exactly what occurred and would like to hear from anybody who saw the collision or saw either of the vehicles in the moments beforehand. If you have any information that could help with our investigation, we ask that you get in touch as soon as possible."

Three fire crews were called to the scene to help free one person trapped in the van.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Service said: "Fire engines as well as special appliances from Preston, were called to a road traffic collision involving one van and one wagon on the M65. Firefighters worked with paramedics to cut one person out of the van."

Both people in the van were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police by emailing 3909@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or calling 101, quoting log number 239 of September 14