SIX people were injured in a head-on smash outside a busy pub.

The two-car collision outside the Wheatsheaf, Dunham Hill, on Chester Road, shortly after 11.30pm on Friday left one woman in intensive care and another man seriously injured.

Four other people needed treatment for their injuries after the collision between a high-performance black Mondeo, driving towards Chester, and a silver Peugeot Partner travelling in the opposite direction.

Customers and staff in the nearby pub reported hearing a loud bang before rushing out to see the aftermath of the crash.

A Wheatsheaf staff member said: 'They all heard a bang but didn't witness anything. It was a bit further down from the pub but it was close enough for them all to hear it.'

The Mondeo, described as a 'write off' by attending fire crew, was carrying five people at the time of the accident, two of whom had to be freed by firefighters at the scene.

Some of the other passengers had left the vehicles and were sitting injured at the side of the road when ambulance and fire crew arrived.

Leading firefighter Paul Donaghy said: 'Whilst these people weren't trapped in the vehicle the nature of their injuries meant they needed our assistance to get free.

'We always take into account the risk of spinal injuries and treat everyone involved with this in mind.'

The 34-year-old driver of the Peugeot, a Frodsham woman, was treated for shock and minor injuries.

Mr Donaghy added: 'We are also aware that someone suffering from shock can also be in a life-threatening situation, their whole body can shut down.'

The driver of the Mondeo, a 29-year-old man, was one of those freed from the wreck after suffering serious leg injuries. He was taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital, where his condition was described as 'comfortable'.

One of the Mondeo's female passengers is still being treated at the Countess's Intensive Care Unit and is described as 'stable but poorly'.

Three other people were treated for minor injuries.

Police are appealing anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

They also want to hear from anyone who witnessed the Mondeo or the Peugeot Partner driving before the accident.

Anyone with any information should contact Traffic Sergeant Blair Wilson on 01244 613168 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.