A Bradford man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving in connection with a crash which left a taxi driver in a critical condition.

The 36-year-old taxi driver, of Leeds, is being treated at Leeds General Infirmary following the collision in Leeds city centre in the early hours of yesterday.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the taxi driver’s blue Skoda Octavia private hire vehicle was involved in a collision with a grey Vauxhall Vectra at the junction of Granary Wharfe and Water Lane.

A 24-year-old Bierley man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He remained in custody yesterday.

The police spokesman said: “The 36-year-old driver is currently in a critical condition in LGI following the incident in Water Lane at 12.20am.”

Officers said a woman passenger in the Skoda also received serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

The 23-year-old woman, of Leeds, was yesterday being treated at St James’s Hospital.

Sakhawat Hussain, a member of the Bradford Private Hire Association, said: “I hope he recovers soon.

“Obviously it’s a dangerous job. You meet all sorts of people and when you’re on the road you just have to try your best to look after yourself, your passengers and other drivers as well.

“All I can say is I wish the taxi driver to get well soon.”

Witnesses, or anyone with information, have been asked to contact PC 3419 Phill Langan, of the Eastern Area Roads Policing Team at Killingbeck police station, on the non-emergency number 101.