POLICE are hunting a hit-and-run driver who left two young women seriously injured.

The women were hit by a white Peugeot 309 car as they crossed a pelican crossing on Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn, at midnight.

Police say the driver deliberately drove off, leaving the injured women in the road.

Unemployed Tracy Woods, 23, of Lark Hill, Blackburn, suffered two broken legs and injuries to her pelvis and head.

Tracy, whose parents live in Wimberley Street, Blackburn, is in a serious condition at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Her friend Melanie Atherton, 27, of Canterbury Street, Blackburn, suffered slight leg injuries and was also taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

She was released in the early hours of this morning.

A police spokeswoman said: "The car had several youths on board.

"The car did not stop at the scene and worse than that it appeared to make deliberate efforts to get away. The driver switched off the lights and left the scene, heading towards Eanam." Tracy's family stayed at the hospital until 4am.

Her mother Joan Woods said: "Tracy had a bad night. We spoke to her about the accident and all she can remember is being hit by a white car and thrown onto some railings.

"Her legs are crushed and she has got a fractured skull. The doctors are going to operate on her today to put metal plates in her legs."

Tracy, an unemployed process worker, has lived away from home for the past three years.

Mrs Woods, who works at the Spar in Openshaw Drive, planned to return to her daughter's bedside later today.

Anyone with information should contact the Road Safety Unit at Accrington on 01254 353764.

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