A DEVASTATED family are praying for a teenage dad injured in a high-speed crash.

Danny Morris was left fighting for his life after the car he was driving crashed into a street light in Moss Bank Way on Sunday morning.

The 18-year-old suffered head injuries and a broken leg and underwent emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital.

Mr Morris, understood to be from Johnson Fold and father to a baby girl, was freed from the wreckage of the white Citroen Saxo by firefighters.

His condition was initially described as critical but police last night said he was in a serious but stable condition.

The teenager is now talking and breathing by himself — but further surgery is expected.

Gary Wigley, who owns AGR Removals in Johnson Fold, where Mr Morris used to work, said: "He was with us for about a year and he was a good lad.

"I wish him all the best. I've spoken to his brother and a couple of his friends.

"I heard he has come round which is great news."

Friends and family yesterday wished Mr Morris well on Facebook and on The Bolton News website.

One member of his family said: "Nobody knows exactly how or why the crash happened. As a family, we're all devastated and hopeful.

"It's a miracle that only he was injured and it could have been much worse, but it wasn't.

"He's a fighter and we're all praying that he pulls through."

Another friend said: "He's one of the nicest lads you'll ever meet and he's got his whole life ahead of him.

"Just joined up to the army and he has a beautiful baby girl. Hoping he pulls through."

The smash happened at the junction of Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road at about 6am on Sunday.

The car smashed into a street light and flipped onto its side, trapping Mr Morris.

Fire crews had to cut him out of the vehicle.

A specialist team from the North West Ambulance Service was on the scene and took the unconscious driver to hospital.

The carriageway was closed from the Chorley Old Road roundabout up to the site of the accident yesterday morning, but reopened later in the day.

A police investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Any witnesses is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit on 0161 8564745.