AN AMBULANCE worth £100,000 could be written off after it was involved in a smash with a car while on an emergency call.

The accident happened on Thursday at 2.45am as crews travelled to help a woman in labour.

But the ambulance, which had its blue lights flashing, collided with a car and crashed into a wall on Higher Bridge Street in Bolton.

Despite sustaining cuts and bruises, the two paramedics treated the occupants of the car - a Toyota Avensis - who were allegedly fleeing a petrol station without paying for fuel.

Derek Cartwright, director of operations for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, said: "This was an appalling accident which has resulted in two of our crew members being injured, plus what looks like a £100,000 vehicle being written off.

"Despite being injured as a result of the action of the car's occupants, the crews still considered their duty to the public and tended to the injured in the car until their colleagues arrived."

Four more ambulances arrived at the scene and a fifth ambulance was sent to the pregnant woman. The injured crew were eventually taken by colleagues to Royal Bolton Hospital and the road was closed for an hour while police dealt with the incident.

Describing the crash as "an unnecessary and frustrating use of resources," Mr Cartwright said: "I am extremely proud of the way the crew members involved acted.

"They demonstrated true professionalism and I hope it won't be too long before we see them back at work. None of the four occupants in the car suffered serious injuries.

"We are liaising with the police regarding the incident and will make it clear that we wish them to pursue this matter."

Five minutes before the accident a Toyota Avensis car was reported to have fled a petrol station on the A666 Kay Street, Bolton, after the occupants failed to pay for petrol.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of making off without payment.