A POLICEMAN had to be cut free from a patrol car after a road smash in Nelson.

The marked 4x4 vehicle was on its way to another accident when it collided with a Vauxhall Astra at a roundabout in Netherfield Road, at the junction of Railway Road.

A police investigation has been launched into the accident, which happened yesterday at about 4pm.

The male officer, from the force's road policing unit at Colne, was cut free from his Mercedes 4x4 by firefighters after it rolled over. Crews used specialist cutting equipment to remove the roof.

The officer was conscious and was placed on a spinal board by paramedics and taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital.

However, a spokesman for Lancashire Police said the his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

He said: "At first the policeman's injuries were thought to be serious but are now believed not to be so.

"The circumstances of the collision will be fully investigated."

The driver of a Astra suffered only minor injuries and was also taken to hospital.

Netherfield Road was closed after the accident, causing major traffic delays.

Richard Taylor, watch manager at Colne fire station, said a sign post was destroyed during the collision and crews spent 40 minutes freeing the trapped driver.

The police vehicle had been responding to a crash in Nelson and was using its sirens and lights when the collision happened.