A PEDESTRIAN is fighting for his life after being knocked down in a hit-and-run involving two cars 'driving in tandem and at speed'.

The 53-year-old was walking along Bradford Street in The Haulgh when he was struck by an white Audi RS3 that drove off.

The Audi had been "driving in tandem and at speed" with a white Audi S3 along Bradford Street from Bolton town centre in the direction of Breightmet at the time of the collision.

Officers cordoned off and shut Bradford Street until late morning today as traffic investigators combed the scene for clues.

Sergeant Lee Westhead, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "A man is fighting for his life in hospital and we need members of the public to come forward and help us with our investigation.

"In particular, the investigations team are very keen to trace two pedestrians who were walking along Bradford Street on the opposite footpath to the victim.

"We believe these people witnessed the collision and flagged down a passing ambulance, and we need them to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

"Similarly, if anyone believes they have dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident or the immediate events before or after the collision we would like them to call us.

"Finally, we know the Audi RS3 was abandoned on Sidford Close, so if anyone in that area of Bolton believes they saw something significant then they should call us as soon as possible."

The victim was crossing Bradford Street at its junction with the southbound exit slip road from the A666 St Peter's Way when the collision occurred.

He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

The Audi S3 stopped at the scene and the 27-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The white RS3 failed to stop at the scene but was later found abandoned in Sidford Close, Bolton, and officer have made three further arrests.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving while a 29-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.