A CYCLIST has been seriously injured after she was knocked down this morning.

The 52-year-old woman was left with serious injuries to her head and arms when she was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Vectra around 6am.

Police said she was initially taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment but has since been transferred to Royal Preston Hospital where her condition has been described as ‘serious’.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

The woman from Bacup had been cycling along Newchurch Road, Bacup, when she was struck by the Vauxhall Vectra which was travelling in an easterly direction.

Police said the 75-year-old man also from Bacup, who was driving the car was not injured.

The accident occurred close to the junction with New Line.

The road was closed shortly after the accident for investigations to take place.

Most of Newchurch Road was reopened by 8.20am but a 100-metre section, New Line, remained closed for three hours.

Rossendale Bus services 65 and 464 were diverted.

Sgt Patrick Worden said that the cause of the incident is now being investigated.

He said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and contact police.”

“The cyclist remains in a poorly condition in hospital and her family have been informed.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Lancashire police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.