THREE people were injured after a crash in Great Lever.

The incident happened in Higher Swan Lane at around 9.30pm last night when a BMW collided with a Toyota Prius.

Three people, a driver and two passengers, had to be cut from the Toyota by fire crews.

A woman, who had been in the back of the Toyota, suffered head injuries and was bleeding heavily. She was subsequently taken to the Hope Hospital for treatment.

The Toyota's driver suffered neck and chest injuries and the front passenger also suffered minor neck injuries. Both were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

However, the driver of the BMW fled the scene.

It is not clear what caused the crash and a police investigation is underway.

Bolton Central Community Fire Station watch manager Tony McKenna said: "We were called at 9.36pm to an RTC involving two cars, one BWM and one Toyota Prius.

"The driver of the BMW absconded from the scene prior to our arrival and there were three casualties in the Prius.

"The driver reported neck and possible chest injuries. The front seat passenger reported having minor neck injuries. And the rear seat passenger, an adult female, had head injuries and was bleeding quite a lot from her head.

"The adult female was taken to Hope Hospital and the others two were taken to Royal Bolton.

"The police are investigating how it happened."

Speaking after the incident on resident said that area had become a hotspot for crashes and people performing illegal manoeuvres and called for action to prevent it.

They said: "This is the norm on this giveway and has been happening for at least 25 years. 

"At least 10 cars on average daily do this illegal manoeuvre. 

"This was probably the most serious ever but loads of minor RTCs have happened in the past. 

"A sign needs to be displayed to warn drivers of no u-turn."