A MOTORCYCLIST was seriously injured after a head-on collision with a taxi.

Police said the incident happened at about midday on Wednesday in Eden Street, Blackburn, when a black Piaggo moped travelling around a bend was forced to swerve, crashing head on into a taxi.

The driver of an unknown third vehicle left the scene without leaving their details and police are appealing for the driver to come forward.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 46-year-old man from Leyland, received serious injuries and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with a punctured lung.

Police are appealing for the driver of another vehicle, who they believe is a key witness, to come forward.

PC John Wharton said: "I appeal to the driver of the third vehicle to come forward as he or she may have some vital information to assist with our investigation.

"This was a very serious collision and we need to establish exactly how it happened, which is why it is so important we speak to everyone who was at the scene.

"This person may not have realised a collision occurred at all, or may not have thought to stop, but it is vital we get their account of what happened.

"If you were driving on Edge Road at midday today and have any information to offer us about how the collision occurred, I urge you to contact us as soon as possible.

"The motorcyclist is in a serious condition in hospital as a result of what happened on Edge Road yesterday and I urge anyone who has any information to contact the police."

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45.