THREE people were taken to hospital after a crash between a van and a car on a junction this afternoon.

The collision, at the junction of Crab Street and North Road, happened shortly after 12.30pm, and involved a car and a van.

The van ended up on its side and fire and rescue crews had to remove the windscreen and assist the driver out of the vehicle.

A police spokesman said three people were taken to hospital. He added their injuries are "thought to be minor".

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A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "MFRS attended a road traffic collision (RTC) at Crab Street, St Helens, on October 3.

"Crews were alerted at 12.37pm and on scene at 12.42pm. Two fire engines and the Search and Rescue Team attended alongside North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

"On arrival crews found two vehicles involved in an RTC. One car was on all four wheels and a van had turned on its side."

She added: "A windscreen was removed and one driver was assisted out of their vehicle by fire crews and NWAS. Other occupants were already out of their vehicle prior to Fire Service arrival. All were handed over to NWAS to be transported to hospital.

"Crews left the scene at 1.18pm."

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We received a report of a road traffic collision involving a van and car at the junction of North Road and Crab Street, in St Helens, at around 12.35pm today, Tuesday, October 3.

"Three people were taken to hospital for assessment to injuries, which are believed to be minor.

"If you witnessed this incident, or have any information, you can contact us @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, quoting reference 23000959331."

There was a closure in place while emergency services attended the scene. The road has since been reopened.