POLICE officers from across Cumbria are looking for a BMW driver who is believed to have been involved in a serious road traffic collision on Valentine's Day.

The collision occurred just after 10.30am and involved a white Peugeot panel van and a white Vauxhall Vivaro van which were travelling in opposite directions around two miles east of the The Sportsman's Inn on the A66.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the Vivaro, a 53-year-old Carlisle man, was taken to Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle with non-life threatening injuries and later discharged.

The passenger, a 23-year-old Carlisle man, was taken by air ambulance to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with very serious injuries. He remains in hospital and is currently described as being in a serious but stable condition.

The 33-year-old driver of the Peugeot van from Preston suffered back and rib injuries and was taken to Cumberland Infirmary and was later discharged.

Police said at the time of the collision a blue BMW was driving along the road which may have been involved. Despite appeals for the BMW driver to come forward, the motorist has still not been located and officers around the county are now working to trace the vehicle.

Inspector Andy Wilkinson said: “We are progressing numerous lines of enquiry to trace the driver of a blue BMW that was travelling along the A66 when the collision took place. It is possible that the driver is unaware that a collision took place, but it is vital that we trace this vehicle and the driver, in case they have important information about the incident.

“Officers from a number of departments around the county are working to locate the vehicle. We have also received video footage captured by a passing goods vehicle which has an image of the BMW which we are enhancing.

“If you were driving a blue BMW car along the A66, please contact us immediately on 101. Or, if you witnessed the collision and haven’t yet spoken to police, please come forward.”