A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after being thrown from a car on the M66 yesterday.

The 25-year-old was found on the embankment after the car he was driving crashed into the central reservation.

Police were called to the motorway, near to junction two, about 7.30pm, after a Jaguar S Type collided with a barrier.

The man was thrown from the back of the car onto the embankment and was discovered wrapped around a tree.

Firefighters from Ramsbottom, Whitefield and Bury fire stations attended the scene for about an hour following reports the car had burst into flames.

The victim was taken to hospital with a serious leg injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, and the passenger, a 26-year-old man, were taken to hospital with minor injuries but have since been discharged.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Any witnesses are asked to call the Road Policing Unit on 0161 856 8809.