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 two pedestrians.
A 36-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where her condition is described as critical.
Police believe the Fiat Punto was driven deliberately at the two pedestrians.
The second pedestrian, a man, believed to be 26-year-old Christian Rivers (pictured) left before police arrived and they are making enquiries to trace him.
It is unknown what injuries he may have received and police are appealing directly to him to contact them.
The Fiat Punto was driven off after the incident.
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.
No arrests have been made at this stage and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
They 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.
They would also like to speak to anyone in the Whalley Banks or Hollin Bridge Street area who has CCTV or dashcam footage.
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.
"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.
“We are especially keen to trace Christian Rivers, who we believe may have been injured in this collision, so that we can speak to him about what happened.
"I would like to appeal directly to Christian, and to anyone who knows where he may be, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 quoting log number 1345 of the 19th or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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