A WOMAN who became trapped beneath a car after she was knocked down on a zebra crossing remains critically ill in hospital.

The 48-year-old, from Ebchester, was dragged under the Vauxhall Corsa and suffered serious injuries to her head and body.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the accident which happened in Newmarket Street, Consett, County Durham, just after 3pm yesterday (Thursday, November 20).

The Corsa, driven by an 85-year-old local woman, was heading along Newmarket Street when it collided with the woman who was on a zebra near to the junction with Victoria Street, not far from the town’s police station on Parliament Street.

The victim was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where earlier today police described her condition as critical but stable.

The incident led to the partial closure of the town centre as traffic, including buses, had to be diverted.

She was freed by members of County Durham Fire and Rescue Service who used specialist equipment to lift the car from her so she could be treated at the scene.

The bus station was temporarily closed so the Great North Air Ambulance could land and take off safely.

The woman was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle suffering from head and pelvic injuries.

The investigating officer, Sergeant Simon Kestle said police had spoken already to a number of witnesses but anyone else who saw the collision was urged to contact the road policing unit via 101.