A TEENAGE driver is fighting for his life after a head-on road smash on the Blackburn and Bolton border on Saturday night.

Police say a Vauxhall Astra, being driven by 19-year-old Raza Khan, from Gilnow Lane, Bolton, was involved in a collision with an Audi cabriolet on the A675 Belmont Road, between Belmont and Horrocks Fold, just after 10pm.

Investigations are likely to centre on reports that the Astra, travelling towards Bolton, was on the wrong side of the road.

Sgt Keith Young, of East Lancashire road policing unit at Accrington, said: "The male driver of the Astra received life-threatening head injuries was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital by air ambulance, where he is being treated in intensive care."

Three other passenger in the Astra had to be released from the wreckage by firefighters from Bolton Central station. The trio were treated for relatively minor injuries at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The driver of the Audi, 31-year-old Rajini Nayyar, who is also from the Bolton area, is being treated for serious leg injuries, also at the Bolton hospital.

Sgt Young appealed for any witnesses to the incident, which occurred on the Blackburn side of Belmont Road's junction with Scout Road.

Following the collision the Astra burst into flames, which had to be extinguished by firefighters and could hamper the traffic police's investigation.

Possible witnesses are asked to contact the road policing unit on 01254 353767.