POLICE today blasted a driver who failed to stop after forcing a motorist to swerve off the M65 and into an embankment.

Mrs Hilary Parry, 44, of Regent Street, Nelson, suffered head injuries after she spun round and left the Blackburn-bound carriageway near junction nine. Police said she was in the middle lane when a black Astra arrived from the slip road and overtook her to get into the middle lane.

Blackburn police Inspector Stuart Coates said Mrs Parry then lost control of her Metro and swerved into an embankment.

He said the Astra driver "slowed down momentarily" but failed to stop.

"The woman was very lucky not to receive more serious injuries.

"Even though there was no contact between the cars it is despicable that this driver did not stop," said Insp Coates. "The Astra driver obviously saw what happened and I would appeal for witnesses to come forward to help us find him or her."

Off-duty paramedic Don Cowman gave Mrs Parry first-aid before colleagues from Altham ambulance station arrived at the scene at 11am yesterday.

She was taken to Blackburn Infirmary with a black eye, concussion and head injuries and her condition today was described as "comfortable".

An ambulance spokesman said: "She was very lucky. The car slid down a grass embankment and was a wreck."

Anybody with information should call Blackburn police on 51212.

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