A WOMAN was in a critical condition in hospital today after being run over by a car being towed behind a van using a seatbelt.

Police said Mabel Shipley, 71, of Bolton Street, Colne, was crossing the road at the junction of Guy Syke and Albert Road, Colne, between the two vehicles when she tripped over the makeshift towrope.

The vehicles moved off and the Ford Escort car ran over her, dragging her underneath.

She suffered serious internal and leg injuries and was taken to Burnley General Hospital.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "It seems the Ford Escort van was using a seatbelt as a towrope to tow the Escort car.

"They had stopped at the junction to turn right on to Albert Road when the woman walked between the vehicles and tripped on the towrope.

"The two vehicles pulled out and the lady was dragged under the car." Police have appealed for witnesses who saw the accident to contact them on 01282 425001.

The accident happened outside the Crown Hotel pub at 5pm yesterday and the area was busy with pedestrians and traffic.

Albert Road, the main road through the town centre, was closed during the tea-time rush hour as accident investigation officers gathered evidence, and there were long traffic queues as police set up diversions around the centre.

A 39-year-old Nelson man, who was behind the wheel of the car, went into a police station following the accident and a 35-year-old Nelson man, who was driving the van, was arrested as a result of police inquiries.

Both men have been reported to the Crown Prosecution Service for traffic offences.

They have not been charged.

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