A WOMAN suffered a broken back after a crash on the M65 which police believe involved a car which failed to stop.

The incident happened at around 10.25pm on Sunday on the eastbound carriageway between Junction 8 and Junction 9.

An unknown vehicle caused a blue Peugeot 307 to swerve and collide with the central reservation before coming to a stop on its side in the carriageway.

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The driver of the Peugeot, a 22-year-old woman from Burnley, managed to get out of her car and on to the grass embankment.

A Suzuki Swift which was travelling along the M65 then collided with the Peugeot. The driver of that car, a 58-year-old woman, sustained a broken back and fractured ankle in the collision and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

The accident is understood to have happened on a stretch that was not lit.

Fire crews from Accrington attended the scene after reports casualties were trapped in their cars.

Watch manager Lee Cook said: “A Peugeot 307 was hit by the third vehicle, which failed to stop, causing the 307 to spin and collide with the central reservation.

“The occupant managed to get out of the car and on to the hard shoulder when a few seconds later a Suzuki Swift has ploughed into the 307.

“The female occupant of that vehicle also managed to get out, with the help of a passer-by, and she was taken to hospital with a suspected broken back.”

Police are investigating.

Sgt John Jennings-Wharton, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This collision which has left one woman with serious injuries and an investigation is underway to establish exactly how this incident occurred.

“Enquiries are on-going to trace a third vehicle which we believe may have been involved and failed to stop at the scene. I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has any information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 1584 of July 26. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.