UPDATED: Two men arrested after car crashes into tree

A black Vauxhall Corsa and a Mercedes C2220 were travelling together along Bolton Road, in Withnell, near Chorley, when the Corsa clipped the kerb at around 11.10pm on Thursday.

It then collided with a tree in the grass verge.

The driver was able to get out of the car himself, but firefighters used cutting equipment to rescue the passenger, an 18-year-old man from Preston.

He was seen by paramedics before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment to serious internal, leg and head injuries.

He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

It is believed the Mercedes turned around and stopped at the scene momentarily before driving off.

Police attended to manage traffic and the road was closed for three-and-a-half hours while an accident investigation was carried out.

The drivers of both cars - both 19-year-old men from Preston - were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

They have been released on police bail until Thursday, July 14 pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as part of their investigation.

Sgt Finn Quainton, from Lancashire Constabulary’s road policing unit, t said: “This collision has left a young man with very serious injuries and I would urge anyone with any information about what happened to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the Vauxhall and the Mercedes travelling together prior to the collision and the manner of their driving.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Lancashire Constabulary on 101, quoting log number 1586 of May 19.