A MAN was fighting for his life today after a road accident which also left his wife badly injured.

Pedestrian Joseph Parkinson, 66 , was unconscious and suffering from serious head and internal injuries when paramedics arrived at the scene of the collision, in Garden Street, Bank Top, Blackburn, close to the couple's home.

A man has been arrested by police on suspicion of drink driving.

Mr Parkinson was today being treated at the Royal Preston Hospital where his condition was said to be "critical".

His wife Margaret, 63, has been detained in Blackburn Infirmary for treatment to injuries to her left leg and shoulder and was today "stable".

Inspector Tony Harling, of Blackburn Police, said a Jeep driven by a 45-year-old local man collided with the couple at 5.30pm last night.

He said: "The gentleman was initially taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary and later transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital.

"His condition is very serious indeed. His wife is still being treated for multiple fractures in Blackburn Royal Infirmary." Inspector Harling said that a man had been arrested on suspicion of a drink-driving offence.

The motorist has been bailed to return to Blackburn Police Station on November 11 when results of a blood test are expected to be available.

Two ambulances worked on the casualties at the scene as police sealed off the road.

Neighbours in the area were today praised for their actions in administering emergency first aid and alerting the emergency services.

A police spokesman added: "We would like to thank local people for the caring way in which they reacted to this accident.

"They comforted the casualties until help arrived."

The couple are believed to have two sons living in the Feniscliffe area of Blackburn.

The couple's neighbour Anne Nutter said: "I spoke to one of the sons this morning and he said Joe wasn't very good. They are a lovely, quiet couple. It's frightening what can happen."

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