A PENSIONER critically injured in an alleged hit-and-run accident in Accrington has lost his fight for life.

Robert Holden, 68, of Royds Street, Accrington, had been in the intensive care unit at Blackburn Infirmary since the accident early on New Year's Day.

The retired labourer was leaving Poplar Working Men's Club, in Wellington Street, when he was hit by a car at 2am.

Police arrested a 40-year-old man and recovered a taxi from the Nelson area the following day. The man was interviewed and released on bail pending further investigations.

Mr Holden lived with his brother William, 67, in Royds Street. He leaves two other brothers, George, 69, of Haslingden, and Alan, 57, of Baxenden.

He had been celebrating the New Year in the working men's club where he had been a member for more than 20 years.

A keen snooker player, Mr Holden was also a regular at the Canine Club, Accrington.

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