A PENSIONER is in a critical condition after he was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Padiham.

Parker Ince, 83, of Dryden Street, was walking his dog when he was hit by a car as he crossed the road near his bungalow.

Police said the driver dragged him to the side of the road but when other people started to gather, he got back in his car and fled the scene.

His red Peugeot 205 was later found abandoned outside an empty garage off Station Road, in Padiham.

Police found the car's registration details to be false, so the identity of the driver remains a mystery.

Mr Ince, a widower, was seriously injured in the collision and is now in a critical but stable condition in Oldham Hospital. A neighbour, Hannah Kennedy, 73, said she was shocked by what had happened.

She said: "He's a very nice gentleman, we always have a chat when he is out walking his dog.

"I can't understand why someone would knock someone down and then drive away. But the speed that cars drive down this road, I am not surprised there has been an accident."

Police today confirmed they were treating the incident as a hit and run and have urged the driver to give himself up.

DS Dave Lord, of Burnley CID, said: "It would be much better for the driver if he came forward of his own volition.

"We will be carrying out full forensic tests on the vehicle to find out who he is."

The driver is described as a white male, in his early 30s, 6ft tall, with short, blonde hair. He was wearing jeans, a dark jacket and a beige jumper.

Police would also like to hear from any witnesses to the accident at 6.50pm on Tuesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472280 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.