TWO senior citizens were taken to hospital after a car crash outside a factory in Bacup on Saturday.

Road traffic police have launched an investigation after two saloon cars collided near the Drury Adams factory at New Hey Mill, Newchurch Road, just after 3.30pm.

Road diversions were put in place as paramedics treated seven injured people, from both vehicles.

A Lancashire police spokesman said the two most serious casualties, both in their 70s, suffered a broken ankle and dislocated shoulder.

The second victim also complained of chest pains and each was taken to Fairfield Hospital for treatment, where their conditions are being monitored.

Police were eventually able to reopen the route, the main road into Bacup, just after 6pm, after clearing away crash debris.

Borough councillor Jimmy Eaton, who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, said: “It looked like quite a bad collision.

“The police helicopter was also called in.”

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Pennine Division Road Policing Unit on 01282 472431.