An 81-year-old woman has died after being struck by a lorry outside a newsagent's shop in Keighley town centre.

Velma Hall lost her life despite a battle to save her by surgeons at Airedale General Hospital and paramedics at the scene near the junction of North Street and Mornington Street.

Mrs Hall, from the Strawberry Fields area of Keighley, had just left P&M newsagents in North Street, Keighley, on Wednesday evening having bought magazines when she was hit.

It is understood that the lorry's rear wheels went over her legs.

Her son Brian Irving, of Laburnum Grove, Keighley, said: "I can't confirm what happened but I gather she came out of the shop and was going to cross the road when the wagon reversed into the space where she was and ran her over.

"It certainly ran over her legs but she also had other injuries including a broken pelvis, internal bleeding and an injury to her hand. The surgeons did their valiant best to save her."

His mum, who was a burler and mender in the textile industry before she retired, led a full life and enjoyed dancing and attending yoga sessions. She leaves two other children, Peter and Anne, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a brother.

Shop manager of 131 North Street, Allan Dixon, who saw the accident said: "She was standing on the pavement outside my shop when the lorry partly pulled in to park. She must have thought the lorry had stopped because she stepped behind it.

"A lady then ran to the lorry and banged on the cab to tell the driver to stop.''

The Coroner has been informed and police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Anyone who saw the accident or Mrs Hall prior to the incident should ring 01535 617059.

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