A MOTHER of three was critically injured after being hit by a car when she went into the street to complain about noisy youths.

Today neighbours said Elaine Haworth, 35, of Priory Grange, Darwen, had been at the end of her tether because of youths who regularly drive cars around the cul-de-sac.

A 17-year-old youth has been charged with dangerous driving, drink driving and wounding and was due to appear before Blackburn magistrates today.

Elaine was today critical but stable in Royal Preston Hospital with a broken pelvis and head injuries.

Police said a group of teenagers had been arguing around a silver Vauxhall Astra SRI, registration H860 AHY, on the Priory Grange Estate before the incident, on Friday night.

Mrs Haworth walked into the road to complain about their behaviour and was in collision with the car, at about 9.40pm, they said.

Today her husband Daniel said: "She is still very ill in hospital and I am focused on getting my wife better. I can't think of anything else at the moment."

Det Insp Neil Hunter said: "She has quite horrible, serious injuries and is being monitored at the hospital.

"We are appealing for any residents in the Priory Drive Estate who may well have witnessed the incident that has led to the collision.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle driving around on Friday night or previously or who saw the aftermath."

A neighbour of Mrs Haworth, who asked not to be named, said residents were getting a petition together to combat speeding in the cul-de-sac.

She said: "There have been a lot of problems but I don't know if these were the same teenagers that have been speeding around before.

"People have been asking for speed bumps to put in to stop it."

Coun Frank Connor, ward councillor for Marsh House Ward, said he had previously received complaints about congregating teenagers.

He said: "If anybody wants to contact me I will go and take their concerns on board.

"I will fully support any residents who come to me with concerns and take those up with the police and the council.

"Obviously my deepest sympathies are with this lady's family and I hope she recovers soon."

Anyone with information on the incident should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.

Two men aged 18 and 23, were also arrested in connection with the incident but were released without charge.