A DRIVER is believed to have been thrown out of his car by the impact of a head-on smash.

Police, who have not yet been able to speak to the motorist, think the 25-year-old man was thrown through the side passenger window of his red Volkswagen Golf when it collided with a silver Peugeot 207.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with suffering from cuts and a head injury, which was not thought to be life threatening.

Police said the Peugeot was shunted backwards by the force of the collision, hitting a solid dry stone wall. A 64-year-old man was treated in hospital for cracked ribs. A 64-year-old woman was treated for bruising.

The man, from Accrington, had been driving from the direction of Whalley, along Whalley Road, at around midday today when the collision happened, close to the Portfield Bar traffic lights on the Read, Great Harwood and Whalley border.

Police are investigating whether the man was trying to make an "overtaking manoeuvre" on a straight stretch of road when he collided with the Peugeot, which was heading towards Whalley.

The Volkswagen was spun round by the impact and came to a rest about 40 metres away, on the wrong side of the carriageway.

Police said the driver was found outside the vehicle and officers are investigating whether or not he was wearing seat belt at the time of the crash.

Sergeant Mick Young, road policing unit, said: "We believe the driver may have exited the vehicle from the passenger window while it was pirouetting, because of the cuts and bruises he sustained.

"However, it is possible that he may have let himself out of the vehicle.

"Officers will be talking to him, but we would also appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward."

Police closed off the road while the accident was investigated and a fire crew from Hyndburn were called to help secure the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the road policing unit on 01254 51212.