Two cars reportedly racing may be factor in M65 crash which resulted in victim being 'thrown from car'

A white BMW 330 and a black VW Polo GTI joined the M65 westbound at junction 14 (Colne Roundabout) and appeared to race along the carriageway yesterday afternoon (April 26).

The two cars then undertook a third car, a blue Renault Megane, which lost control and collided with the central reservation before ending up on its roof at around 5.50pm.

Officers are now investigating whether the two cars were racing against each other and if that was a factor in the collision.

Sgt Finn Quainton, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Tac Ops, said: “This collision has left two people with significant injuries and I would appeal for anyone who saw the collision itself or the manner of driving of the BMW, Polo or the Megane prior to the collision to get in touch.

"I would also ask anyone who may have dashcam to come forward.

“A number of witnesses have described two vehicles racing and we are investigating whether that was a factor in the collision.”

The driver of the Megane, a 43-year-old man from Colne, was thrown from the car and suffered serious injuries.

The front seat passenger, a 37-year-old woman from Colne, also suffered serious injuries.

Both were taken to the Royal Preston Hospital by ambulance.

The BMW and the Polo made off from the scene.

Two men, aged 21 and 26, both from Nelson, were later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.

Police have confirmed they remain in custody and their vehicles have been seized for examination.

The M65 was closed for five hours after the collision.

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101, quoting log number 1141 of April 26.

Police would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the important COVID messages that all speed limits are still in operation, and that they are being enforced.

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, you should only use transport:

- to get essential items, such as food or medicine

- to go to support a vulnerable person

- to get to work, if you cannot work from home

- if you work in transport, for example you are a driver

To find out more about the travel restrictions, click HERE.