A MAN has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident which left a pensioner in a critical condition.

Iris Dixon, aged 80, remains in hospital after being run over by a van in Market Street, Little Lever, last Thursday.

A police spokesman said a 19-year-old man from the Bolton area has since been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

The incident shocked shoppers and school pupils who were in the area during the busy afternoon.

Afterwards, hair stylist Susie Holland told how she rushed out of the Costa Brava salon having heard the collision and comforted the victim by holding her hand.

The landlord of the nearby Horse Shoe pub chased after the Skoda van believed to have been involved before losing sight of it.

Police later discovered the van abandoned in Slater Street, Bolton.

It is understood the incident may also have been captured by CCTV cameras recently installed at a nearby pedestrian crossing.

Mrs Dixon, of Little Lever, suffered serious leg injuries and underwent surgery. She is being cared for in the high-dependency unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Police still want to hear from anyone who saw the incident, whichhappened at around 1.30pm. Witnesses should call the area one road policing unit on 0161 856 7201.