AN attempted murder investigation has been launched after a woman was critically injured when she was hit by a car in Blackburn.

Police were called at 7.50pm last night (Tuesday 19th November) to a collision on Whalley Banks at the junction with Pearson Street.

A Fiat Punto Grande mounted the pavement before running into the woman and her partner.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A 36-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where her condition is described as critical. Her family are by her bedside.

Police believe the Fiat Punto was driven deliberately at the two pedestrians.

The second pedestrian, 26-year-old Christian Rivers (pictured) suffered a broken ankle and broken wrist.

Lancashire Telegraph:

He left the scene before police arrived and officers launched an appeal to find him.

He was located on Wednesday afternoon in a house close to the scene and is helping police with their enquiries. 

The Fiat Punto was driven off after the incident.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A similar car was later found on Lower Hollin Bank Street with significant front end damage and attempts had been made to set the vehicle on fire. It has now been recovered as part of the investigation.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph from the scene, Detective Superintendent Andy Cribbin said: "I believe that vehicle has driven around Blackburn in the hours and days proceeding this incident.

"I believe there are people in the community who know who was using that vehicle and who was driving it.

"I would appeal them to contact 101 or the major incident portal to tell us what you know.

"At this moment we are keeping an open mind to establish what has gone on.

"We believe the car has deliberately mounted the pavement and deliberately targeted the two people who were walking on the pavement."

No arrests have been made at this stage and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The police are especially keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the car, registration EX07PYA, in the moments before or after the collision, to come forward.

Police said the car was using cloned registration plates.

They would also like to speak to anyone in the Whalley Banks or Hollin Bridge Street area who has CCTV or dashcam footage.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson said: “This collision has left a woman with some very serious injuries and my thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.

“I have a team of detectives and staff working on this investigation and we are following a number of lines of inquiry to piece together what has happened.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"We need to trace the people responsible for this dreadful act but we need the public’s help to do that and I would appeal for anyone who has any information which could assist us in our enquiries to come forward.

"Even if you think the information you have is insignificant please come forward and let us be the judge."

Lancashire Telegraph:
Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 quoting log number 1345 of the 19th or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.