DAMAGE worth tens of thousands of pounds was caused when a BMW overturned and crashed into five new Mercedes on a forecourt in Bolton.

The driver of the white BMW is believed to have lost control in Blackburn Road, at 2am on Saturday.

As his car reached the bend in the road, at the junction of Kay Street, it flipped on to its roof and over the railings at Mercedes- Benz of Bolton.

The BMW, which was a new X5 model, crashed into five new Mercedes on the garage forecourt.

Three of the vehicles were said to be wrecked and the other two badly damaged.

The driver of the BMW fled the scene and police are now appealing for help to find him.

A 39-year-old man, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was left trapped inside, and had to be freed by firefighters from Bolton Central station The man, who declined hospital treatment, suffered minor injuries and was arrested by police.

He remains in police custody for questioning. Ian Ainsworth, watch commander at Bolton Central, said: “It looks as though the driver has lost control on the bend and flipped it on to its roof and hit the cars in the garage.

“They were quite lucky it wasn’t more serious. I think the damage will run into quite a few thousands.”

Police were called to the scene just after 2am. In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called to Mercedes Benz of Bolton following reports a white BMW had collided with five cars.

“The driver of the BMW abandoned the car and ran off. The passenger of the BMW was arrested at the scene having suffered minor injuries.

The driver ran from the scene prior to police attendance. A 39 year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody for questioning.”

No one from Mercedes- Benz was available for comment.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7201 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111