A MAN was last night in a critical condition in hospital after being hit by a police car as he crossed the road.

Police said the incident happened when the 50-year-old man was in Bolton Road, in the Infirmary area of Blackburn.

Officers said he was hit by a BMW X5 4x4 around midnight on Sunday.

The man, who has been named on social media as Jimmy Lee, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Last night officers said the pedestrian remained in a 'critical condition'.

The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, was informed of the incident and sent investigators to the scene.

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The incident was assessed but no IPCC investigation was launched yesterday.

Bolton Road was closed in both directions while the man was treated at the scene and investigation work carried out.

But it was re-opened by 8am yesterday.

One resident said: "I didn't see the impact but I knew it was serious because of the amount of blue flashing lights.

"When I came onto Bolton Road there was lots of police cars.

"There was devastation. You could immediately tell it was serious.

"It's upsetting to hear how serious his condition was.

"I am sure there will be a lengthy investigation to establish exactly what has gone on."

Queens Park ward councillor Salim Mulla said: "I have seen photographs of the aftermath of the incident on social media.

"It is absolutely shocking.

"It is a very sad incident and we hope the pedestrian gets better.

"I hope the community can sympathise and send their best wishes for what is a very unfortunate and tragic incident."

Detective Superintendent Neil Ashton, who is investigating the incident, said: “A man has suffered serious injuries and our thoughts are very much with him as he undergoes treatment.

"An investigation is now under way to establish exactly how this came about and we have self-referred the matter to the IPCC.”

An IPCC spokesman said: "The incident has been referred to us by Lancashire Constabulary.

"We deployed investigators to the scene. 

"We are assessing to see if we are going to launch an investigation."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police on 101, quoting log number 0001 of today (August 7th).