A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital after being thrown through the back window of a car driven by a man from Barnoldswick.

Rider Damion Walsh, 33, of Preston Street, Kirkham, was travelling along the A59 towards Clitheroe when the accident happened at the junction of Whitehalgh Lane about 5.15pm yesterday..

Mr Walsh, who went through the window of a Honda Civic in front of him, was taken to Preston Royal Hospital with injuries that were described as "not life threatening" and kept in overnight.

Gary Timmins, 33, of Brogden Street, Barnoldswick, was driving the Honda and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with whiplash-type injuries.

The A59 was closed from Northcote Manor for about an hour and a half, as was the road leading to Old Langho from Whitehalgh Lane.

Police investigating the accident are not yet clear how it happened and were today continuing their enquiries.

Two other cars travelling in the same direction were also involved, including a Peugeot 306 and a Vauxhall Astra. PC Gary Taylor appealed for any witnesses and said: "All the vehicles involved, including the motorbike and three saloons, were travelling towards Clitheroe

"We are now appealing for witnesses to the accident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Taylor direct on 01254 353767.