AN 80-year-old woman has been knocked down by a hit and run driver.

The incident happened in Market Street, Little Lever, at around 1.15pm.

The area was packed with members of the public and school pupils.

The woman, named by members of the public as Iris Dixon from Little Lever, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Staff from the nearby Costa Brava hair salon heard the collision.

Stylist Susie Holland said: "We heard a loud bang and I rushed out of the shop. Mrs Dickinson was lying in the middle of the road. There was blood all over the place and her left leg was seriously injured.

"I held her hand and tried to comfort her until the ambulance arrived."

The scene was taped off this afternoon as police launched an inquiry.

The landlord of nearby pub, The Horse Shoe, got into his car, a Renault Scenic and chased the driver. But he lost sight of the motorist.

The incident may have been captured on CCTV as cameras were installed at a pelican crossing near to the site of the accident three weeks ago.

More on this story as details emerge.