A POLICE officer had to be cut out of a marked police car after it crashed with an horsebox, which was allegedly stolen.

Officers had been on patrol in Bolton when they spotted and attempted to stop the horsebox at around 11.40pm last night.

However the driver of the horsebox tried to make a getaway and was pursued by the police car. 

The two vehicles then collided in Thicketford Road, near to the crossroads with Ainsworth Lane and Pegamoid Street, and hit two nearby houses.

Paramedics were called to treat the driver of the police car who was then taken to hospital with arm injuries.

It was initally believed the officer may have also suffered injuries to his spine.

The Bolton News: Emergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady TaylorEmergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady Taylor

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst under the influence of drugs and failing to stop for a police officer, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.

Bolton Central Fire Station crew manager, Jason Riding said: "The collision had spun the police car around and the officer was trapped inside in a bit of an awkward position.

"We had to cut the doors off as when you are dealing with someone with suspected spinal injuries you have to take them out in a controlled way, on a board, so they can be taken to hospital for examination. You can't just pull them out of the car."

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service added: "One man was out of one of the vehicles conscious and breathing before crews arrived.

"A second man was trapped inside one of the vehicles. He was conscious and breathing.

"Crews used extraction gear to release the man. He was assessed by NWAS paramedics."

Images captured by Bolton North Fire Station manager, Ady Taylor, showed both vehicles badly damaged after the crash.

The Bolton News: Emergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady TaylorEmergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady Taylor

The horsebox smashed into the porch of a nearby house, dislodging some tiles and brickwork, and leaving the truck's front end completely crushed and wheels hanging off.

The police car, meanwhile, also suffered heavy damage to the front, and both of its drivers-side doors were cut off by fire crews.

Crew manager Riding added: "We made the safe the vehicles and, as there had been some damage caused to the house, we also made that safe.

"A building inspector later came out and declared it to be safe." 

The Bolton News: Emergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady TaylorEmergency services on the scene of crash between police car and horsebox in Thicketford Road, Bolton. Photo: Ady Taylor

The roadway was closed off while the emergency services dealt with incident, but no further casualties were reported by Mr Taylor.

Mr Taylor Tweeted: "Hopefully the fellow blue light responder, is back on duty soon."