A TEENAGE girl is fighting for her life after being hit by two cars on a ‘dangerous road crossing’.

The 16-year-old was first struck by a Ford Ka, before being knocked into the opposite carriageway where she was hit by a Mazda.

She suffered serious injuries to her head and lower body and was taken to Salford Royal Hospital for treatment. Last night she was in a critical condition.

The incident happened in Manchester Road, Haslingden, on a pedestrian crossing close to the roundabout near Tesco.

Councillors and residents have previously raised concerns about the crossing, calling for it to controlled by traffic lights.

The 83-year-old female driver of the Ford Ka, from Bury, who was uninjured, was helping police with their inquiries.

A 52-year-old man driving the Mazda was also uninjured.

Cllr Gladys Sandiford, who represents the area on Rossendale Council, said: “It was just a matter of time until a serious accident like this happened.

“I have lobbied for years to get the crossing upgraded from a zebra crossing to a pelican crossing.

“The most that I have ever been able to do is get the street lights improved.

“It’s a dangerous place if you are unfamiliar with the road at night and people pick up speed very easily.

“Something needs to be done because this can’t happen again.”

The road was closed for two hours while accident investigators attended the incident at just after 5pm on Monday.

Writing on Facebook Sonia Stuart said: “She looked in a really bad way. Hope she makes a full recovery.”

Pete Glavey said: “That crossing is very dangerous with drivers not stopping, speeding and parking on the zigzags.”

Janette Etchells said: “Hope the young girl is ok.

“That zebra crossing is awful. Nobody stops and the cars overtake, it was only a matter of time before a serious accident.

“Let’s hope they do something about the crossing and that main road now.

“People should slowdown for the crossing but they don’t.”

A nearby resident said: “My son came in and said somebody had been knocked down.

“I’m only surprised that no-one has been knocked down before because they shoot up here and people don’t always stop when you are waiting to cross.

“I just wish people would realise there is a zebra crossing there.”

Lancashire County Council has said that the safety concerns surrounding the crossing will be raised with its next meeting with the police.

Area highways manager Mick Dand said: “We were very sorry to hear of this incident and wish the girl well with her recovery.

“We regularly meet with the police to discuss any traffic and safety issues, and will raise this at our next meeting to evaluate whether there’s any action we could reasonably take to prevent a similar incident in future.”

PS Adam Dawson said an investigation was underway to find out exactly how the incident occurred.

He said: “I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened and has not already spoken to us to get in touch.”