POLICE are hunting a driver who failed to stop after a collision with an ambulance rushing to an emergency call.

The ambulance, which had its blue lights flashing and horn sounding at the time of the crash, was damaged and two paramedics were hurt.

Another ambulance was called out to deal with the original emergency.

The accident happened just after nine o'clock on Wednesday, May 12, at the junction of Middlewich road and Flowers lane, near Leighton hospital.

The burgundy-coloured Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4 pulled out of Flowers lane and turned right in the path of the ambulance which had been called from the Northwich area to deal with an emergency in Crewe.

PC Keith Johnson of Cheshire Police said: 'This was a serious incident, which took an emergency vehicle off the road and delayed the response to an emergency.

'It could have been worse. Luckily the injuries to the crew were minor and the ambulance wasn't carrying a patient.

'The other vehicle was damaged, and if anyone is aware of a Pajero which has recent damage to the beige and gold coloured rear bumper on the driver's side, we'd like to hear from them.

'If anyone saw the collision, any information they can give would help. And finally, we'd hope the driver of the vehicle might still come forward.'

Mike Moores, of Northwich Ambulance Station, said: 'Our guys took evasive action and caught the back of the 4x4. Both attended Leighton Hospital for a check-up and both were suffering severe shock.

'They weren't badly hurt and were very lucky, especially when you think it was a four-and-a-half tonne vehicle travelling at speed. Both paramedics have now returned to work.

'It's annoying because the driver didn't stop. That means our insurance will have to sort it out.

'The ambulance was badly damaged to the bonnet, wing and headlights. It is likely to be out of action for some time.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Johnson on 01244 613341 or call the Crimestoppers confidential hot-line on 0800 555111.