AN investigation has been launched after a police car on the way to an emergency smashed into the wall of a restaurant while overtaking a lorry.

Police said the officer swerved and crashed into a wall at Parmesan and Pepper, part of the Royal Hotel, on the notorious A675 Bolton Road, Abbey Village, after the lorry started to turn right into its path.

Police said their vehicle was travelling with its blue lights and siren on while responding to an emergency.

But the restaurant manager has questioned whether the driver should have going so fast in a 30mph zone.

The police officer and lorry driver were treated for whiplash injuries.

Restaurant manager John Marshall added: "I know they have to respond to emergencies but it appears to have been flying through the village. The police set up speed traps in the village every week but then speed through themselves -- perhaps they should be a bit more cautious.

"There is a school up the road and cars are parked on both sides further up."

Mr Marshall, who lives above the restaurant, was alerted to the crash by a customer.

He added: "We don't know how much damage has been caused yet. We presumed the police would cordon off the front of the restaurant, but they said they only have responsibility to keep highways clear. They threw all the stones back into our garden.

"They said we've to get a builder to sort it out and to tell him to claim off the police.

"We were a bit annoyed. It has created a mess and if customers trip over, we will be liable."

Sgt Dave Tonge, of the road policing unit covering Abbey Village, said: "There will be a full accident investigation which will be carried out by myself. Everything will be looked at.

"The police officer radioed through that he had been involved in an accident and another vehicle was sent to the emergency.

"I would appeal for any witnesses to the crash to contact me."

Call 01695 566 486.

Further along the A675 towards Belmont, where the speed limit varies from 40mph to 50mph there have been many crashes in the past year, prompting residents to call for the installation of a speed camera.