A Horwich man was airlifted to hospital after the car he was travelling in smashed into a telephone post.

The 24-year-old, who has not been identified, was a passenger in a Ford Escort RS Turbo car which careered out of control as it was being driven along Lever Park Avenue, near Rivington Barn, Horwich, last night. The car overturned and fire brigade officers were called to the scene amid fears that several injured people were trapped in the wreckage.

Paramedics were called to the crash scene and Lancashire's air ambulance, based in Blackpool, was scrambled.

Firecrews had to cut a hole through a nearby fence and hedge so the air ambulance could land closer to the accident scene.

The 24-year-old passenger was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital for emergency treatment.

It is understood he had suffered a broken leg and head and back injuries.

The 23-year-old male driver of the car and a 21-year-old female passenger, both from Horwich, received slight injuries and were transferred to Chorley Hospital for treatment.

No other vehicles were involved in the smash which is being investigated by police officers from Chorley Police's traffic unit.