A CYCLIST'S pregnant girlfriend was at his bedside today as he fought for his life after being involved in a head on smash.

Mark Howieson received multiple injuries when his bike collided with a Ford Fiesta car as he rode home from work late last night.

He is being treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit following the crash, in Blackamoor Road, Guide.

Police believe the 30-year-old of Green Lane, Blackburn, lost control of his bike and hit the oncoming car, driven by Anthony Dixon, of Heritage Street, Rishton.

Mark was returning home from his job at British Steel when the accident happened. The father of one lives with his girlfriend Waheeda Shafi .

The 26-year-old said: "We think his bike might have hit a pothole in the road and he lost control of it. The doctors told me Mark is still unconscious and I am going to see him in hospital today. It is still too early to say how he is, the doctors are expecting to know more later today."

Paramedics treated the cyclist for head, chest and leg injuries at the scene. Mr Dixon was not hurt in the accident which happened shortly after 10pm, close to the former Walkersteel plant in Guide.

Police sealed off the road for more than two hours while accident investigation officers examined the scene.

Staff at the hospital today described Mr Howieson's condition as "poorly".

A police spokesman said: "It appears that the cyclist lost control of his bike and crossed over on to the wrong side of the carriageway. We would like to speak to a middle aged couple who stopped and spoke to the driver of the car after the accident."

Anyone with information should call Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.

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