AN ELDERLY pedestrian has died after being hit as he stepped onto a zebra crossing by a car which failed to stop.

George William Holdsworth, 63, of Burnley Road, Colne, was shopping in the town centre yesterday morning. Police said he was hit by a blue Ford Escort car as he was stepping out on to a zebra crossing in Market Street, near to the Red Lion pub.

The car carried on towards the Traffic lights at the junction with Skipton Road.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at 10.35am. Traffic was busy and there were many pedestrians in the area close to Colne market.

They particularly want to speak to a woman who helped Mr Holdsworth. She was with him for some minutes but had left by the time police arrived.

Mr Holdsworth suffered hand and head injuries. He was given treatment at Colne health centre before being taken to Burnley General Hospital. where he died early today.

Mr Holdsworth told police the car had only clipped him as he was stepping out on to the crossing.

PC Owen Johnson said: "There is a possibility the driver was not aware an accident had taken place. He clipped him as he stepped out into the crossing.''

Police are asking for the driver to come forward and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01282 425001.

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