A 38-YEAR-OLD man remained critically ill in hospital today after he ran into the path of a taxi.

Richard Elliot, of Cloverhill Road, Nelson, was struck by the vehicle in Railway Street at 2.55am on Saturday.

Police said he ran into the road from the direction of Carleton Street and was struck at speed.

The force of the collision was such that his body smashed the windscreen of the taxi.

The private hire vehicle was driven by Tasleem Rhaza Hussain Sha, 32, of Napier Street, Nelson, who was uninjured.

Residents in Railway Street said they were woken by the crash.

Noreen Ali, who lives close to the scene of the accident, said: "My brother and I both heard a bang and looked outside to see what was going on.

"I don't know where the man who was hit by the car came from, but it looked serious. My bother rang for an ambulance straight away."

Paramedics treated Richard at the scene before he was taken to hospital.

After being taken to Burnley General Hospital, Richard was transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital where his condition is today described as critical.

Police are keen to find out why Richard was running down Carleton Street and what he was doing in the area at the time.

His condition is so serious police have been unable to interview him about the accident.

A police spokesman said: "He apparently ran down Carleton Street and into the carriageway of Railway Street.

"Anyone who has information about the circumstances leading up to the accident, and why he was running, should contact investigating officer is PC Ian Mclean on 01282 472542 or Pennine Police on 01282 425001."