Woman seriously injured in Devon collision

Police are appealing for witnesses after a female pedestrian carrying a child was seriously injured following a collision with a car in Newton Poppleford, near Sidmouth.

A 61-year-old woman, from Otterton, was walking along School Lane, carrying a three-year-old girl, when she was involved in a collision with a silver Vauxhall Zafira. The collision happened at around 8.55am on Tuesday 7 June, outside Newton Poppleford primary school.

The woman was taken by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, with serious and life-threatening head injuries. Her condition is described as critical.

The 3-year-old girl suffered minor injuries and was checked over by paramedics at the scene. The 38-year-old female car driver, from the local area, was not arrested but has been interviewed by police.

The road was closed for six hours to enable officers from the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, in Exeter, to carry out a forensic examination of the scene.

Sergeant Richard Newton, based in Exeter, said: “The area was extremely busy with vehicles and pedestrians at that time, as children were being taken into school.

“We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision who we have not already spoken to.”

Witnesses are asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 175 of 7 June.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org