A SHOCKING image of a severely damaged car has been used to highlight the dangers of riding a bike without a helmet.

Officers from Lancashire Road Police uploaded the picture of a silver ford with a dented bonnet and smashed windscreen after a cyclist collided with a car on Tuesday morning.

Birkacre Brow in Coppull had to be closed by officers as the cyclist was dealt with and taken to hospital.

A police spokesman said: “If ever there was a scene to promote the wearing of a cycle helmet, this is it. Rider of a bicycle and a car have collided on Birkacre Brow, Coppull. Rider off to hospital and road will be open shortly.”