A STOLEN car was involved in a hit and run collision which left a motorist needing hospital treatment, police have said.

Thieves in a black Vauxhall Signum shunted a blue Nissan Micra, outside the Queensgate bus depot, at around 10.10pm on Saturday night, then drove off without stopping.

The impact caused the Micra to be pushed into the opposite land and the driver had to be cut free from the car by Lancashire firefighters.

Sgt Tracy Ward, from the road traffic police unit at Colne, said: “The Micra, which was driving along Colne Road towards Burnley, has been involved in a high-speed collision with the Signum, which has struck the vehicle from the rear then driven off.”

The Nissan’s driver was later taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

The Signum car had been stolen from the Solihull area of the West Midlands during the past week, it has been confirmed.

Police say that the same vehicle, registration number W8 WEN, was later found on fire in Railway View, Brierfield, at around 6pm on Sunday.

Sgt Mark Baines, of Nelson police, added: “It would still have been relatively light at that time and we would appeal for anyone who has seen the car to contact us.”

Potential witnesses can contact the road traffic unit on 01282 472431 or Nelson police, if they witnessed the fire, on 01282 472604.