THREE people were injured in an accident today on a snow-hit moorland road as wintry weather struck East Lancashire again.

The crash partially blocked the A6068 Colne to Keighley road in Laneshawbridge, causing Traffic problems as the damaged vehicles were cleared away.

Traffic queued back towards Colne on the busy trans-Pennine route as officers used a nearby lay-by to divert vehicles around the accident scene.

The accident happened at around 8.30am and involved a Ford XR2 car and a Ford Transit van. Both vehicles were badly damaged.

Inspector Ian Hartley, of Colne police, said: "Conditions at the time were absolutely appalling. It was snowing and the snow was turning to ice when it hit the road."

One man was taken to Airedale Hospital, Steeton, with serious but not life-threatening injuries. The two other people involved did not need hospital treatment.

Elsewhere in Burnley and Pendle the West Craven area seemed worst hit by this morning's unwelcome return to winter.

There were warnings of snow affecting the A59 Skipton to Clitheroe route at East Marton and drivers were told to take extra care in the slippery conditions.

There were accidents due to the weather conditions on the A682 between Blacko and Gisburn, and the road between Paythorne and Hellifield, but no-one was injured.

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