Crossing boy fights for life

A POLICE appeal for witnesses marks the accident spot

A YOUNG boy is fighting for his life in hospital after an accident at a pelican crossing in Oldham.

The boy, believed to be eight years old, remains in a critical condition at Royal Oldham Hospital since the incident on Saturday morning.

The youngster was thrown into the air after being struck by a black Fiat Punto at the pelican crossing in Abbeyhills Road, Alt, near the junction of Manor Road.

A large section of the road was closed for more than two hours by police, who were called to the scene at 9.10am.

Mother-of-three, Tazeem Akhtar (31), who lives outside where the collision happened, said: “I looked out to see a young boy, who was unconscious.

“It was a really scary scene and I just worry about the speed that cars do when they come down here.

“There should be a zebra crossing here for extra safety for the children.

This incident is the second incident in Abbeyhills Road in the space of two days.

A lollipop lady (52) was struck down by a pick-up truck on Thursday morning, close to the junction of Alt Lane, where she received minor injuries to her arm and hip.

She was released from hospital later that same day.

Police confirmed no arrests were made following Saturday’s accident.

A North West Ambulance Service spokeswoman, said: “An ambulance took the male pedestrian, who had head injuries, to Royal Oldham Hospital, where a paramedic trauma team was on standby.”

One local trader, who would wished to remain anonymous, said: “I just couldn’t face coming out of the shop after hearing what had happened to the little boy.”

Anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the Road Policing Unit on 0161-856 8809 or 0161-856 8473.