Blackburn attempted murder probe after two hit by car

Police say the car was driven deliberately at the two pedestrians, near the junction with Pearson Street

A woman is in a critical condition after being struck by a car in a "dreadful" and "deliberate" act.

The 36-year-old was seriously injured when a car mounted the pavement on Whalley Banks, Blackburn, shortly before 19:50 GMT on Tuesday.

A 26-year-old man who was also hit by the vehicle but left the scene has been traced by Lancashire Police and his injuries are now being assessed.

The force has launched an attempted murder investigation.

Lancashire Police said officers believed the Fiat Punto, which had cloned registration plates, was driven deliberately at the two pedestrians near the junction with Pearson Street.

The driver did not stop at the scene and a similar car was found on Lower Hollin Bank Street with significant damage to the front and evidence that attempts had been made to set it alight.

Det Ch Insp Lee Wilson said: "We need to trace the people responsible for this dreadful act.

Police appealed for anyone who saw the car, registration EX07PYA, before it hit the pedestrians to contact the force.