A STOLEN pick-up truck almost claimed the lives of several people when it mounted the kerb next to a bus stop, police warned last night.

The speeding Mazda lost control and hit 94-year-old Elsie Bainbridge, who was waiting at the stop with half a dozen other people.

But police revealed that there were no fatalities or more serious injuries because, as Inspector Andy Huddlestone, from the traffic police, commented: "The car struck a pole and then a bus shelter. We think that the pole saved people from further injuries or even life-threatening injuries."

Last night Mrs Bainbridge - who suffered multiple fractures to her left leg and pelvis, as well as cuts and bruises - was recovering in Darlington Memorial Hospital with her family at her side.

Her eldest son Howard has joined police in an appeal for the driver - who sped off from the scene - to hand himself in.

"I would want him to come every day and see my mother, and see how it is going to impact on her life," said Mr Bainbridge.

The Northern Echo reported on Monday that the driver may have lost control after hitting a speed hump on Saturday morning.

"I would ask him to come forward to set my mother's mind at rest," said Mr Bainbridge.

"She is a very forgiving person. She said to me 'I hold no grudges at all against this man. He will be only a young lad'."

Mrs Bainbridge was an active person, helping out at Eastbourne Methodist Church with mother and toddler groups, as well as guide groups.

She is now likely to spend at least 12 weeks in plaster, and many more undergoing physiotherapy.

Mrs Bainbridge was going into town to meet a friend for coffee when she was hit shortly before 9.30am.

Another man waiting at the stop was hit, but suffered only superficial injuries.

The silver Mazda, registered NU05FLM, hit the passengers at the bus stop opposite the junction of Brunel Way. It was heading towards Yarm Road.

The truck was stolen in the Blackwell Lane and Grange Road area of Darlington on Friday night or Saturday morning. It was abandoned in Snipe Lane, near Stressholme Golf Club.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.