A PENSIONER is fighting for his life after being hit by a car while crossing a notorious accident blackspot in Blackburn.

Pedestrian Dennis Whittaker, 82, suffered a serious head injury, broken ankle and broken pelvis following the collision which happened outside the Capita office at the junction of Preston New Road and Barbara Castle Way at 10am on Monday.

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As he was having surgery at the Royal Preston Hospital, police described his condition as 'very serious'.

Community leaders have called for extra traffic calming measures to be introduced after it was revealed this accident is the third on that stretch of road in three months.

On November 30 motorists faced major delays after a two-car crash. Earlier in the month a motorist caused £10,000 damage after ploughing through a wall at Blackburn College, before fleeing the scene.

Following yesterday's incident the road was closed for five hours while police carried out investigations and the car, a dark coloured BMW was recovered.

Councillors said something needs to be done urgently 'before somebody is killed'.

Shear Brown ward councillor Hussain Akhtar said: "I am very concerned about that stretch of road.

"I want to see traffic calming measures brought in.

"We need to do something before somebody is killed.

"I will be raising this with Highways when I next meet with them.

"I hope the man makes a full recovery and I will be praying for him."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Cllr Mohammed Khan, said: "I think if they put a speed camera there then that would be a deterrent.

"But when you look at that stretch of road from Morrisons to the health centre you have six sets of traffic lights.

"I wish the gentleman a full and speedy recovery."

Officers investigating the accident are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them.

Sgt David Hurst, of Lancashire Police, said: “I urge anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to trace the driver of the silver vehicle, which we believe could be a Toyota Avensis.

“CCTV shows the person stopping at the scene to help before driving away."

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The man, who is from Blackburn, was being question yesterday. Police said they are examining CCTV footage of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0346 of January 25.