A 90-year-old woman has been airlifted to hospital after a collision with a van.

It happened just outside The Box Tree restaurant in Church Street today shortly before 4pm.

The pensioner was believed to have been crossing the road when the collision happened with a white Renault panel van.

No-one working in the nearby restaurant saw it happen, although the shop-lined street was busy at the time.

The road was closed both to traffic and pedestrians for accident investigations to be carried out, but was re-opened by 9pm.

The woman, who has not been named, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

A police spokesman said the van driver stopped at the scene.

No criminal charges have been made by police.

Vice-chairman of Ilkley Parish Council Coun Heathcliffe Bowen said there was not a history of accidents at that spot but a number of junctions along that stretch of road could be awkward to negotiate.

There have been fatalities in the past but those accidents happened further along the road beyond Glover’s garage, he said.

Coun Bowen also said there was a slight dip in the road close to the restaurant where the collision happened and it is close to Pawson Cottages where a number of elderly people live.

“I came across the accident on my way home and it was all cordoned off. I realised there had been a smash of sorts. I’m so sorry to hear this lady has been so seriously hurt.”

Anyone who saw the incident should contact Airedale and North Bradford Police on 0845 6060606.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A