A ROAD was closed for around seven hours this morning after an early hours police chase ended in a crash.

The driver of a blue Ford Focus was being pursued by police after failing to stop for officers before crashing into parked cars.

The incident happened shortly after 1am in Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, near to the junction with Brownhill Drive.

The road remained closed until around 8.30am, and has now reopened.

The 44-year-old male driver had to be cut out of the vehicle by firefighters from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury, and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries.

The police helicopter was also drafted in to help with lighting and video.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and anyone who saw the collision or has any information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting log number 42 of Tuesday, December 7.