A driver and passenger suffered serious injuries when their car crashed into a tree in the early hours of this morning. 

Police said a VW Golf failed to stop for officers on Lyndhurst Road in Burnley and a pursuit began but patrols lost sight of the car, at around 2.25am (Tuesday). 

About five minutes later it was reported the car had lost control on Greenhead Lane in Fence and collided with a tree.

The driver, a man in his 30s, and the passenger, a man in his 20s, both suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital.

The vehicle was not being pursued by police at the time of the collision. The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Supt Hassan Khan, of Lancashire Police’s Specialist Operations, said: “This collision has left two people with serious injuries, and I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle at any point before the incident or who saw the collision itself to get in touch.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who may have any CCTV, dashcam or Ring doorbell footage which could assist our investigation.”

A section of the major link road was closed while investigations were carried out but was re-opened at around 1.30pm on Tuesday. 

Police said earlier on Tuesday morning, that Barrowford Road, at the junction with Greenhead Lane in Fence, was closed, and Barden Lane at the junction with Windermere Avenue in Burnley.

Traffic travelling down Greenhead Lane from Barrowford Road through Reedley was affected, and vehicles were also prevented from travelling up Barden Lane from Burnley.

The incident caused congestion along Barrowford Road, close to Wheatley Lane Road, and traffic on Barden Lane close to the junction with Windermere Avenue.

The driver was cut out of the car by firefighters.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Two fire engines from Burnley and Nelson, along with the drone, attended a road traffic collision on Greenhead Lane, Reedley, Burnley.

"This involved one vehicle which had collided with a tree.

"One casualty was mechanically trapped in the vehicle and was released by firefighters, who then made the scene safe.

"Crews were in attendance for one hour."

A spokesperson for the police said at around 3am on Tuesday: "Please be aware that Barrowford Road, Burnley is currently closed at the junction with Greenhead Lane; and Barden Lane is closed at the junction with Windermere Avenue, due to a road traffic collision

"This will remain closed throughout the morning.

"Please avoid the area and find an alternative route where possible."

The AA website stated: "Road closed due to crash, investigation work on Barden Lane both ways from Windermere Avenue to Disraeli Street."

North West Ambulance Service said they were not required to attend the incident. 

Anyone with information should contact SCIU@lancashire.poice.uk or call 101 quoting log 0080 of March 26.