A DRIVER involved in a town centre smash was today being held by police for questioning.

Firefighters had to cut the driver from his car following the collision at the junction of College Way and Derby Street.

Police said the incident happened at 2pm yesterday when a Ford Fiesta XR2 driven by the 38-year-old man from Little Hulton collided with the rear of a Renault Espace people-carrier which was stopped at the traffic lights.

A 14-year-old girl, who was travelling in the Espace with five other people, including her father Alan McLean, 47, from Sheffield, was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital as was the Fiesta's driver and female passenger, Rachel McHale, 22, from Little Hulton.

They were later discharged.

The force of the impact pushed the Espace beyond the lights and into Derby Street.

Firefighters has to cut through the roof of the Fiesta to free the driver and his passenger.

The junction of College Way and Derby Street was cordoned-off following the accident which caused lengthy tailbacks. Police are appealing for witnesses. Contact 0162 856 5972.