Elderly woman, 72, in a 'life-threatening' condition after being hit by bus near Sainsbury's at Silksworth

Shortly before 12.30pm on Monday, December 16, police were called to Silksworth Lane near the Sainsbury’s roundabout after a report that a pensioner had been involved collision with a single-decker bus.

The 72-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle by air ambulance with injuries that are currently described as “life-threatening.”

A police investigation is currently ongoing as officers look to determine the circumstances surrounding what happened.

The incident caused the road to be closed for around two-and-a-half hours.

The driver and passengers aboard the Go North East bus were not injured in the crash.

Northumbria Police officers cordoned off the area while an investigation into the crash was carried out and there were numerous witnesses.

Sergeant Matt Sykes, of Northumbria Police’s motor patrols department, has now appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with any information they may have.

He said: “This was a very serious incident that has resulted in an elderly woman taken to hospital and fighting for her life.

“We are offering her family support at this difficult time and we are now committed to determining the events that preceded the collision.

“This collision happened on a busy road in Sunderland and a number of pedestrians and motorists will have been in the area at the time.

“We are now asking anybody who saw what happened, and who have yet to come forward, to give us a call.

“We would also ask drivers to check their dash cam footage if you were passing through the area at that time and get in touch if you notice anything that could assist with the investigation.”

Anyone with information that could help Sergeant Matt Sykes with police inquiries is asked to call 101 quoting the reference number 424 161219.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email [email protected].