A passenger is seriously injured in hospital after being thrown from the back of a van in a suspected gas explosion.

Emergency services were called to Northfield Road in Rising Bridge, close to the junction with King’s Highway, at around 12.40am on Sunday, October 14.

Police said the 25-year-old man had suffered ‘significant head injuries’ after apparently being thrown from the back of a Ford Transit van.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

Detectives say they are investigating the possibility a gas canister had exploded in the back of the van.

The van had earlier failed to stop for police in Accrington town centre and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Two people have been arrested in connecton with the incident, a 27-year-old man on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving while unfit through drink or drugs, and a 20-year-old woman on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, and failing to stop.

They remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables said: “We are in the early stages of our enquiries into this incident during which a man has sustained some very serious injuries.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log number 0091 of Sunday, October 14.