A MAN was today being questioned about an accident in which a 73-year-old pedestrian suffered serious head injuries.

Joseph Cichocki of Lancaster Gate, Nelson, was today described as being in a "critical" condition in Royal Preston Hospital.

He was crossing Manchester Road, Nelson, at 10.45am yesterday when he was in collision with a white Fiat.

Inspector Steve Ashley said the driver stopped at the scene and a passer-by contacted the ambulance service.

He said because of a communications breakdown police were not informed until 1.30pm.

The driver left the accident scene without leaving his details. The vehicle was later traced and was being examined.

Mr Cichocki was taken to Burnley General Hospital and then transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital suffering from a suspected fractured skull.

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