A WITNESS appeal has been issued after a man from the Barnoldswick area became trapped underneath a car in Burnley in an incident involving a suspected drink-driver in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police say a 22-year-old man became trapped underneath a Vauxhall Corsa in Hammerton Street after a collision at 4.50am, near the former Lava and Ignite nightclub.

Several people passing by attempted to lift the car and turn it onto its roof, to free the victim, according to road traffic officers.

The man, who has not been named but is said to be from the Barnoldswick area, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

He is currently in a stable condition and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Police have confirmed that the driver of the Corsa, an 18-year-old man from Burnley, has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Another man in the car, an 19-year-old, also from Burnley, was detained for questioning of on suspicion of being in possession of an imitation rifle, capable of firing ball-bearings, which was alleged to have been found in the vehicle.

Sgt Patrick Worden, from the road policing unit at Lancashire Police, said: "We need anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

"Similarly if you saw the Corsa in the lead up or you have any information that you think could help with our investigation, please make contact with us.”

Part of Hammerton Street was closed for a number of hours as the investigation progressed.

Anyone with information can call police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident reference 342 of June 4.