POLICE launched a hunt for a taxi driver after he left the scene of an accident which left a 26-year-old man fighting for his life.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred while the cab was carrying a passenger in busy Centenary Way, Burnley, at 8.23pm yesterday..

David Campbell, of Cog Lane, Burnley, was in collision with the Peugeot taxi as he crossed the busy dual carriageway near to the new junction with Red Lion Street.

The taxi was being driven down the road from the roundabout in Manchester Road and police said the driver got out of the vehicle and then left the scene. Det Sgt Steve Mounsey today said a 22-year-old man who works in Burnley had been arrested and was due to be questioned today.

Paramedics were called to the scene and found Mr Campbell lying in the middle of the road, he was taken to Burnley General with serious head injuries.

An ambulance spokesman said: "This was obviously a very serious accident and the victim was in about as serious a condition as he could have been.

"He was unconscious from the time we found him until we took him to hospital so he couldn't give us any further details."

Police said Mr Campbell was in a critical condition today.

DS Mounsey said: "There was one passenger in the back of the vehicle who received minor injuries and we are still waiting to interview them.

"If anyone was in the area at the time and witnessed anything they should contact Burnley police station on 01282 425001."