WANDERERS have confirmed new signing Joe Bunney was involved in a road traffic accident at the weekend which has left him with broken ribs and collarbone.

It has emerged that the footballer was involved in a serious collision in the Preston area of the M55 in the early hours of Sunday morning in which his Vauxhall Mokka had careered into the central reservation of the motorway and then into a tree.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred at 3.35am. Bunney is believed to have been the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The left-back signed for Wanderers on transfer deadline day and has not yet made a competitive appearance for the club.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital after the accident and could now be out of action for a number of months.

A club statement read: “Bolton Wanderers can confirm that Joe Bunney has been involved in a road traffic accident.

“The defender received medical attention for broken ribs and a broken collarbone and is being supported by the club’s medical staff.

“He will remain in hospital for the next 48 hours as a precautionary measure.

“Everybody at Bolton Wanderers wishes Joe a quick recovery.”

Sergeant Dave Hurst of Lancashire Police’s Tac Ops Division, said: “We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the collision and would ask that anyone who witnessed it and is yet to contact us, does so as soon as possible.

“Likewise, if you have any dash cam footage which may be helpful to the investigation, we would like to hear from you.

“Our thoughts remain with the injured man at this time.”

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting log number 210.