WEST Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman suffered potentially life threatening injuries following a collision in Shipley earlier today.

The incident occurred around 9.50am, when the 79-year-old woman was hit by a Smart City Car in Charles Street, close to Shipley rail station.

The woman was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Leeds General Infirmary because of the seriousness of her injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old woman, was uninjured.

A number of vehicles are believed to have been parked in Charles Street and the drivers may have left prior to police attendance. These motorists are being asked to get in contact as they may have information.

A spokesman for the Safer Roads and Neighbourhoods Support Team West said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area this morning who may have seen either the vehicle, or the pedestrian prior to the incident, or anyone who witnessed the collision itself to come forward.

A number of vehicles were parked in Charles Street that had left prior to police attending, and it is possible that a motorist or passenger in those vehicles may have vital information. I would ask for them to speak to police. Inquiries are ongoing."

An onlooker who asked not to be named said: "These side roads are usually quiet and a lot of people cross them on their way in and out of Shipley.

"Apparently it was an elderly lady involved and the young couple who were in the Smart car looked very upset."

The road was closed for a while as investigations were carried out but has now reopened.

The condition of the injured woman is not yet known.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Suggitt at SRANS West via 101, quoting 476 of September 15.