A 70-year-old motorist was trapped in his blazing car after being hit by a police car responding to an emergency call.

Blackburn magistrates heard that PC Karen Matthews had driven through a red light at the junction of Schleswig Way and Dunkirk Lane in Leyland doing about 50mph as she raced to a major disturbance at the Clayton Brook Inn.

But the magistrates rejected a defence plea that there were special reasons not to disqualify PC Matthews who was stationed at Leyland at the time of the incident in October last year.

Matthews, 36, who is stationed at Skelmersdale and lives in Preston, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

She was fined £250 with £100 costs and banned for 12 months.

She must take an extended re-test before she can drive again.

John Wood, prosecuting, said that after the collision Matthews, her passenger, a special constable, and a passing motorist had managed to pull Mr Holton from his car.

The fire extinguisher from the police car was used to put out the flames. Mr Holton suffered an injury to his left arm and nerve injuries to his arm and neck.

He had a pin inserted in his arm.

Mr Wood said both drivers had provided negative breath tests.

Katherine Pierpoint, defending, said Matthews deeply regretted what had happened and was full of remorse.