POLICE are appealing for the driver of a white, builders' van who could be a key witness in a Leyland collision to come forward.

Five people were injured in a three-car pile up at the junction of Schleswig Way and Slater Lane at 1.30pm yesterday.

One casualty was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital suffering serious injuries. A police officer was also injured and taken to hospital.

Three others had to be cut free by specialist fire officers.

The accident occurred when a police van which was responding to an emergency collided with a green Vauxhall Vectra which then collided with a white Skoda.

The driver of the van passed through the traffic lights just prior to the collision in the direction of Preston and could have been travelling from East Lancashire. The road was closed until 5pm.

Anyone with more information should call Leyland police on 01772 433561.