A HUNT has been launched after the driver of a car involved in a crash in Burnley fled the scene.

The collision, involving two family saloon cars, happened shortly before 11.30am in Brunshaw Road on Saturday morning. A metallic silver Peugeot 405 was pulling out on to Brunshaw Road from Haven Street when it hit a grey Honda Accord.

Eye witnesses to the crash reported seeing the driver of the Peugeot climb out of the wreckage of his car and run into a house in nearby Lebanon Street.

As police officers knocked at the front door of the house, it is thought that the man escaped through the back entrance and ran down the alley in the direction of Lyndhurst Road.

Police made a search of the scene, but were unable to find the man.

Paramedics were called to the scene, but no-one was injured. A female, thought to be the driver of the Honda Accord, was treated at the scene for shock.

Recovery vehicles were needed to clear the vehicles from the road as both had extensive damage. The road was blocked off for almost an hour and traffic diverted down Lyndhurst Road.

The man police want to interview is described as a white male, in his 20's with slightly curly dark hair. He was wearing a white-coloured top with dark jeans.

A spokesman for Pennine Police said: "We would like to speak to this man as a matter of urgency.

"Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact us immediately."

Witnesses at the scene of the crash claimed that he had been using a mobile phone when the car crashed, but police were unable to confirm this.

Anyone with information about the driver or the crash should call Burnley Police on 01282 425001, or Lancashire Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.