THE family of a young woman badly injured in a hit-and-run incident have spoken of their distress at not having her at home for Christmas.

Kimberley Yates was knocked down as she tried to cross the road outside the Local store in Redlam, Blackburn, on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital suffering from a broken hip, leg and shoulder. Her injuries were described as serious, although she is now said to be in a stable condition.

She has been kept sedated to assist her with her pain and will remain in hospital over Christmas.

Her parents, Christine and Alf Yates, had been waiting for her to return from the shop when they heard she had been injured.

They rushed to the scene to be with her before she was taken to hospital.

Mrs Yates said: "We only expected Kimberley to be gone a matter of minutes when she went to the shops, then we were told she had been knocked down.

"Seeing her lying in the road was indescribable."

Kimberley's family, including her sister Anneliese, 11, and brother Craig, 18, have spent most of the festive period at her hospital bedside.

Mrs Yates added: "It has been a very strange Christmas for all the family."

Sgt Pete Sculpher said: "Kimberley's family have been devastated by the incident, especially with it happening at this time of year. A full accident investigation is being carried out."

Witnesses said Kimberley was thrown about 50ft down the road after being hit by a black car, which drove off towards Buncer Lane.

A 26-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

The road policing unit is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have seen the black car before or after the crash, to contact them via the police switchboard on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .