TWO people were killed and another injured after their car crashed into a wall while being followed by a police van today.

The 19-year-old driver of the car, Ali Hussain, and the front seat passenger, Imran Esan Aziz, 22, both of Randal Street, Blackburn, died following the smash at the junction of Preston New Road and Shear Bank Road at about 12.40am today.

A third man, Waseem Mohammed 19, also of Randal Street, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary hospital with minor injuries, but was later released and quizzed by police.

Lancashire Police has now voluntarily referred the incident to the Police Complaints Authority which has launched its own investigation.

The incident began after police officers patrolling in a personnel carrier spotted the red VW Golf pull out from a lay-by on Preston New Road near the junction with Beardwood at about 12.30am.

Police turned the van around and pulled into the layby to stop the car but it pulled away driving towards Blackburn.

As police started to follow the car up the hill towards Blackburn town centre they reported the vehicle had sped off, driving erratically and through a red traffic light.

The next thing the officers saw was the vehicle crashed into the wall at the bottom of Shear Bank Road.

Emergency crews including ambulance paramedics and the fire service battled to free the trapped driver and front seat passenger.

Mr Aziz was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Hussain on arrival at hospital.

The road was closed for more than two hours.

Police are also appealing for witnesses to the crash and anyone with information should call them on 01254 51212.