SCORES of homes were left without power after a car ploughed into a electricity box and a lamppost in the early hours of this morning.

The Toyota Celica crashed in Deepdale Road, Breightmet, just after 12.30am, ripping the box from the ground and leaving a gaping hole.

A 28-year-old man had to be cut out of the car by firefighters, and the lamppost and electricity box were both badly damaged.

Crews worked alongside paramedics to free the man, who was suspected to have suffered spinal injuries, and firefighters were on the scene for 45 minutes.

The driver was taken by paramedics to hospital.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 12.33am and we arrived at 12.39am.

"An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and the HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team) was sent.

"His injuries were described as 'non dangerous'."

Police said their enquiries into the crash were underway.

A spokesman said: "We were called at 12.35am.

"The male was cut out of his car and was taken to hospital.

"No one else was involved in the crash. Our enquiries are ongoing."

Dozens of properties were left without electricity for more than two hours following the incident.

A spokesman for Electricity North West said: "We did receive reports at about 1am that a car had driven into a lamppost.

"This affected the power to 73 customers nearby .

"Our engineers quickly arrived on site and restored power at 3.41am, so every one is back on now."

He added that anyone in need of further information can call them on 0800 1954141.

The driver is not believed to have been seriously injured in the crash.

A nearby resident said she heard a loud bang as the car hit the metal electricity box.

The 32-year-old said: "I can't believe anyone walked away from that crash — the electricity box was an old fashioned metal box and it was in pieces.

"It was more damaged than the car.

"It is such a mess. The power went in my house and across the road — the boilers went out as well because they are combies."

She added: "The emergency services were brilliant. Their response was so good, they did such a good job."

The electricity box is still cordoned off.

The resident added that there had been so many crashes in the street that children had been told not to play near the area.