A MAN was thrown into the air after being hit by a car during an outburst of violence.

Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder following the disorder which involved a number of men.

The black Audi car was filmed on a mobile phone been driven at speed through a crowd of people in Barton Street, Blackburn, on March 15 at 11.20pm.

Police said three men aged between 20 and 29 were taken to hospital and suffered broken bones, other internal injuries and minor injuries.

Officers said a number of men were armed with bats and crowbars at the scene of the violence.

Around 20 people were at the incident when the car was driven towards them.

Gasps and screams could be heard as the man is thrown into the air and is pushed against a wall before the car is driven away.

Two men can be seen lying on the floor in the aftermath.

Officers later seized two Audi cars and four men aged between 20 and 25 from Blackburn and Bolton were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

A fifth man, 24, from Bolton, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

They have all been released on bail until April 13 while officers conduct further enquiries.

Detectives have said they expect to make further arrests in the near future.

Detective Inspector Nikki Bithell said: “The motive for this disorder is unknown at this stage.

“Officers are reviewing a significant amount of CCTV footage in order to determine a full understanding of what happened.

“This was a serious incident with significant violence evidenced at the scene by in excess of 15 to 20 people.

“It is a miracle there were no fatalities as a result of this disorder.

“The police still have a number of people to speak to and it is anticipated that further arrests will be made in due course.”

A woman who lives nearby who heard the emergency services arrive at the scene, said: “You just don’t expect something like this to happen pretty much on your door step.

“It’s shocking that this sort of violence is the ‘in thing’ now. It really is terrifying.”

Cllr Hussain Akhtar, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Having watched the distressing footage as a councillor and as a member of this community, I find this incident completely unacceptable.”

Witnesses can call 101, quoting log 1636 of March 15.