AN investigation has been launched into the death of an elderly woman who was pinned to the pavement by her electric mobility scooter.

Annie Neal, 89, of Bold Street, Accrington, died after the scooter toppled on to her while she was shopping with her husband.

Police are now appealing to witnesses in a bid to find out how the tragic incident occurred.

Mrs Neal and her 91-year-old husband John had travelled on their scooters to Accrington ShopMobility, Whalley Road, police said.

The pair had bought the Rascal electric mobility scooters three months previously and regularly used them to make shopping trips into town.

Police said Mr Neal left his scooter and entered the store, leaving his wife waiting outside.

But after a few minutes he heard a loud thud. When he looked round he saw her lying on the pavement with the scooter pinning her to the ground, police said.

With the help of passers-by Mrs Neal was picked up and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she was treated for a fractured right hip. The incident happened at 1.20pm on Monday, April 4, and she died in hospital six days later.

Police have only just launched a witness appeal after coroner Michael Singleton ordered an investigation.

Sergeant Stuart Isherwood, of the road safety unit at Accrington, said officers are piecing together Mrs Neal's final movements.

He said: "We think Mrs Neal might have been turning the scooter round and when it toppled over, but that's as far as we know. We don't think there was anyone else involved. We think she probably lost control and it turned over.

"We've carried out an inspection of the scooter but we need to know why and how it toppled. We're asking for anybody who might have seen it to come forward."

Mr Neal is recovering in hospital after falling himself last week.

Neighbours said he was rescued by firefighters after locking himself in the house and that he was forced to miss his wife's funeral on Monday after injuring his back.

l Witnesses to the incident involving Mrs Neal should call 01254 353767.