AN elderly woman has been airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a lorry.

The lorry struck the 86-year-old woman on Main Street in Moreton-in-Marsh, where she suffered serious leg injuries.

The incident took place at 3.20 this afternoon, and a number of diversions have been put in place whilst the police completed a collision investigation.

Joseph Williams from Main Street, who saw the aftermath of the incident said: "I arrived after the collision had happened but it appeared that an elderly person had been stuck under the tyre of a yellow lorry.

"I counted three police cars on the scene, the main street was blocked off and traffic was at a standstill."

Mr Williams reported that traffic had just started moving more freely at around 4.30pm.

A statement from the Gloucestershire Police said: "An elderly woman remains in a life threatening condition in hospital this morning following a collision in Moreton-in-Marsh yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 10 August).

"A lorry collided with the 86-year-old female pedestrian near the Inn on the Marsh on the A429 at 3.20pm.

"The woman, from Moreton-in-Marsh was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with serious leg injuries.

"This morning her injuries are still described as life threatening.

"The lorry driver was uninjured.

"The road was closed until 11.15pm while a collision investigation took place."

The lorry was a Canute Group lorry, which are logistics specialist group.

A spokesperson for Canute said: "Canute is aware of a road collision involving one of our vehicles which happened yesterday at a pedestrian crossing on Main Street in Moreton-in-Marsh.

"First and foremost, we wish those families concerned our heartfelt grief and support in this sad situation.

"We are now in close contact with Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where an elderly lady is currently being treated, to monitor her progress.

"We are taking this incident extremely seriously and have been co-operating fully with the police in their enquiries, which we will continue to do.

"Whilst we do not currently have full details at this stage, we are now working hard to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the cause.

"Canute have some of the highest driver training standards in the country, but following this incident and on completing our investigation, we will be taking every possible precaution to ensure nothing of this nature can occur again."

The woman was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, and a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic were also in attendance.

Anyone who witnessed the incident but hasn't yet spoken to police should call 101 and quote incident 292 of 10 August.