POLICE have launched an inquiry after Celtic fans were crushed last night as they tried to gain entry into Ewood Park for their team's clash with Blackburn Rovers.

One fan was taken to hospital vomiting blood while paramedics tended to people on the scene.

Ambulance crews in rapid response vehicles were put on stand-by as the fans, some of whom had forged tickets, fought to get inside the ground, delaying the kick-off by 15 minutes.

The police helicopter hovered overhead urging fans to get back and stop pushing as the turnstiles at the Darwen End of Ewood Park was closed.

Hundreds of fans with both legitimate and forged tickets were left stranded outside.

People who had fainted were dragged out of the crowd by friends.

Police had earlier warned the visiting supporters to arrive at the ground early after extra security was put in place to stop fans getting on with fake tickets.

Hundreds of forged tickets were in circulation and many managed to get past police cordons into the Darwen End.

Celtic fans said fellow supporters were rushing at the turnstiles in a desperate bid to get in.

Match commander, Superintendent David Mallaby, said: "The police and stewards at the club worked very hard to try and get everybody with legitimate tickets in the ground.

"The ground safety officer, with the support of the police, took the decision to close the turnstiles because the ground was full." Three ambulances were at Ewood Park as part of the normal match-day routine.

But bosses were forced to put reinforcements on stand-by as the crush began to develop.

Damian Jolly, control manager at Lancashire Ambulance, said: "I am proud of how our staff reacted ."