A PENSIONER was last night in a serious condition in hospital after a car crash in Brierfield.

Part of the town centre was closed following the collision, which also saw another driver hospitalised, at 4.50pm yesterday.

Last night police accident investigators were trying to piece together what had happened.

They were looking into whether the 79-year-old man, who was driving a black Volkswagen Polo, had been taken ill or fallen asleep at the wheel.

His car was travelling towards the town centre on Colne Road, near Connelly’s Chip Shop at the junction with Glen Way, when it is believed to have crossed into the opposite carriageway into the path of a red Mitzubishi Colt, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

A parked car, a black Ford Focus, was also hit. The man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where his condition was described as stable.

The Mitzubishi driver, a 54-year-old woman from Nelson, was also taken to hospital with back injuries.

Police closed Colne Road up to its junction with Halifax Road and Clitheroe Road for more than three hours as they examined the scene.

They were also interviewing passing motorists and other witnesses.

Fire crews were also called to the scene but were not needed.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0845 125 3545.