A TODDLER is fighting for her life after being knocked down by a motorcyclist.

Aysha Rasool, three, suffered a broken skull and brain damage after being flipped' into the air when she was hit by the motorcycle in Midgley Street, Colne.

Parents Rubina and Asif Rasool, of Lune Street, Colne, have been at the toddler's bedside in the intensive care unit at Manchester Children's Hospital since the accident and she is said to be in a very poorly' condition.

Her family said that doctors had told them that the next 24 to 48 hours were critical for the toddler.

Eyewitnesses said Aysha was thrown four metres down the road landing near a telephone box after being hit with by the motorcyclist, who rode off after the accident.

A neighbour picked up the little girl and moved her to his home on West Street before calling emergency services.

Police said they arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the incident on Monday after he handed himself in at Colne police station. He was questioned and released on bail pending further enquiries.

The girl's cousin, Atif Rasool, of Lune Street, said Aysha is surrounded by family members who are praying for her.

The 29-year-old businessman said: "They have sedated her and are going to keep her asleep for the next 48 hours.

"The doctors can't tell what is going to happen. The next 24 to 48 hours are critical.

"She was happy and joyful, a bubbly little girl and we are all praying for her."

Eyewitness Idrees Ahmed, 15, of West Street, which is round the corner from the accident, said the three-year was on her way to the nearby park when the accident took place.

Idrees, a pupil at Park High School in Colne, said: "She was playing on the other side of the road.

"The motorcyclist hit her, she flipped over and landed next to the telephone box.

"My brother-in-law picked her up and took her inside and called the ambulance."

Aysha's mum went to hospital in the ambulance with her daughter. Her father, Asif, was at work and was informed about the accident by family.

Residents in the area said that they had wanted speed bumps to be installed on the road for some time.

Atif Rasool said: "We have been saying for quite a while this road is being used as a main road for traffic cutting through to town and that we need speed bumps."

Aysha's cousin Saquib Rasool, 21, who lives on Lune Street, added: "Speed bumps might have made it more difficult for the motorcyclist and may have prevented the accident.

"She was a cheeky girl, so full of life and always smiling - our prayers are with her and her family."

Attia Noreen, of West Street, whose seven-year-old son Saleem Iqbal saw the accident, said: "When I found out I was shaking because it's not a nice thing. We need speed bumps along the road for safety reasons especially because there are kids playing out here."

Aysha's two sisters Ayzah, six, and Zara, four, are being looked after by relatives.

Police said they have a number of witnesses but that anyone with information should call 01282 4258001.