TWO burglary suspects were taken to hospital yesterday after a crash on the Padiham bypass.

The men allegedly failed to stop after being flagged down by police and crashed into a tree on the grass verge.

Inspector Andy Carter said a burglary had been reported at the Village Pharmacy, in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, in the early hours of Sunday and a vehicle description was sent out to patrol officers.

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A car matching the description was spotted travelling at 80mph on the A6068 just after 5am but the driver failed to stop when directed to do so.

The Ford Fiesta then left the carriageway and crashed into a tree at the side of the road. The driver and passenger were both injured, with one suffering a broken wrist. Fire crews from Accrington were called to help the men out of the vehicle and both were taken to hospital. Their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Firefighters said both men were in their early 20s, but police could not confirm this yesterday.

It is not known what was taken in the break-in.

Police said they were keen to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour around the pharmacy on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday, or who may have witnessed the crash.

Inspector Carter said: “After the burglary we put it out on our systems and we picked the car up on the Padiham bypass.

The vehicle was travelling at 80mph and failed to stop, but then it left the carriageway and became embedded in a tree.

Anyone with information should call 101.