Woman airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by bus near Sainsbury's at Silksworth

The air ambulance landed in Silksworth Lane following the serious collision between Sainsbury’s and Silksworth Sports Centre.

A woman was treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

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

An investigation was launched by police and the road was closed for almost three hours while emergency services dealt with the incident officers examined the scene.

The woman’s injuries are believed to be serious but it is not yet known what condition she is in in hospital.

Officers cordoned off the area while an investigation into the crash was carried out.

The bus involved, belonging to operator Go North East, has now been removed and the road has been reopened.

Stephen King, Commercial Director at Go North East said "Go North East service 33A was involved in an incident with a pedestrian at around 12.30pm outside of Sainsbury's on Silksworth Lane in Sunderland.

“The pedestrian was taken to hospital and our thoughts are with them at this time.

“Whilst shocked, our driver and our passengers on board were not injured. We are grateful to the passers by who stopped to help at the scene".

Paramedics from North East Ambulance Service were first called to the scene at 12.19pm on Monday, December 16.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service were called at 12.36pm by paramedics at the scene and the air ambulance landed 12 minutes later.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Emergency services attended and the female pedestrian has been taken to hospital.”

Witnesses have spoken of their shock as they watched emergency services descend on the street.

Josh Peacock, 24, from Ryhope said: "I didn't see what happened but the air ambulance is in the middle of the road and there are three or four ambulances here.”

Another woman, who asked not to be named, added: "It was such a horrible thing to see. It was just so terrifying.”