A cyclist was left with 'life threatning injuries' after a rush hour crash in Bolton.

Passers-by rushed to help as emergency services arrived on the scene and closed off the road for more than seven hours.

The crash between the cyclist and a car took place on Chorley New Road, with the road taped off between Beaumont Road and Lostock Junction Lane shortly before 4pm on Monday.

Police have now launched an investigation into the crash and are appealing for witnesses.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “GMP are appealing for any witnesses or information after a serious road traffic collision yesterday on Chorley New Road (A673) in Bolton.

"The incident happened around 4.20pm yesterday afternoon, Monday 17 October 17 2022, on Chorley New Road close to the junction with Lostock Junction Lane.

"Both were travelling towards Bolton.

"The collision involved a white Citroen Berlingo van and a cyclist who has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has any dashcam or CCTV footage should contact the Serious Collison Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741."

Chorley New Road was closed until 11.30pm last night. 

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 4.09pm to a road traffic collision on Chorley New Road where a cyclist had been hit by a van.

"We sent various resources including an air ambulance and a rapid response vehicle.

"We took the patient, a male, to hospital with a serious head injury."

Eyewitnesses at the scene told The Bolton News that someone had suffered injuries to their head and that passers-by had stopped to try and help him.

One witness said: "I arrived third on the scene at about 4.16pm and pulled over as I work in theatres as an ODP at the Beaumont Hospital so I’m trained in First Aid, advanced life support and airway and stopped to offer help.

"Luckily a student nurse and GP had also stopped.

"He appeared to have a head injury, so please reiterate how important it is to wear a helmet!”

Police have confirmed that the GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit has now begun an investigation.

Anyone with any information can contact officers by calling 101 and quoting incident number 2281 of October 17.