A MAN arrested after three men were beaten and stabbed following a car crash in Bury has been released pending further inquiries.

A silver Vauxhall Astra crashed into a tree on Radcliffe Road — outside Derby High School — in the early hours of Tuesday May 29, after being chased by two other cars.

It is understood the occupants in one of the two vehicles got out, and armed themselves with baseball bats and knives, and attacked the man sitting in the back of the car.

He suffered stab wounds to his back and legs and was treated in hospital, but released a short time later.

The driver of the Astra sustained multiple fractures as a result of the crash and remains in hospital in a critical condition. The front-seat passenger suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision.

Superintendent Steve Nibloe said: “We know this incident has sparked a lot of rumour in our communities because some of the people involved are thought to be from Bolton.

“It is important, therefore, that we reassure our communities that we do have extra, dedicated and highly visible patrols in the Farnworth and Great Lever areas.”

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and has been bailed until August 28.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.