The mother of a toddler killed when hit by a car in Accrington town centre has lost her three-day fight for life.

Eighteen-month-old Jayden Bloomer was being pushed in his pram by mum Jackie when a car mounted the pavement and ploughed into them.

Jayden and the driver of the car, 89-year-old Ernest Wray, died soon after the crash on Tuesday afternoon. 30-year-old Jackie had been critically ill in the Royal Preston Hospital, but died on Friday.

Police said there were suggestions that Mr Wray may have had a seizure or heart attack at the wheel of his green Rover. Post-mortem results on Mr Wray have not been released, and an inquest into his death was due to be opened on Friday (12 February). 

Ms Bloomer was on the way to pick up her other child from school.

Sgt Mick Young, of the Lancashire Road Policing Unit, said: “We are looking into claims the driver was driving erratically before this tragic accident. This suggests he may have become unwell.

“We are also appealing for witnesses to come forward to help us piece together what happened. Our sincere condolences are with both families at this tragic time.

“This accident has really rocked the close-knit community of Accrington. Many people will know at least one member from one or both of the families involved. From information we have, the car was driving at normal speed and we are treating this as an accident rather than a criminal offence.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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