TWO men were in a critical condition after a road crash in Radcliffe.

Christopher Livesey (33) and Paul Rainford (23), both from Radcliffe, were in a Peugeot 205 on Radcliffe Moor Road at 8pm on Saturday when their car was in an accident with a Rover 200, driven by a 43-year-old woman from Bradley Fold. Police, fire and ambulance services were called to the scene by motorists who stopped to try and help. Firefighters from Whitefield and paramedics cut Mr Livesey, who was driving the car, and Mr Rainford, a front seat passenger, from the wreckage.

Both men were taken to Fairfield General Hospital but have since been transferred to other hospitals.

Mr Livesey was moved to Wythenshawe where he remains in a critical but stable condition. He suffered a fractured pelvis, a damaged spleen, a punctured lung and multiple rib fractures.

Mr Rainford, from Masefield Avenue, suffered severe internal injuries and is also said to be in a critical but stable condition at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The Rover driver, Mrs Carol Johnstone (43), of Aldford Grove, was taken to Fairfield General Hospital for treatment to a fractured knee, whiplash and shock.

Sub Officer Mike Barratt, from Whitefield Fire Station, was among the first to arrive at the crash scene. He said: "We worked with paramedics to get the two male casualties out of the car as quickly as possible and as safely as possible."

Radcliffe Moor Road was closed for six hours after the crash while accident investigation teams worked at the scene.

Traffic police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Bury Traffic Unit on 0161 856 8072.