A PENSIONER was airlifed to hospital with head and arm injuries after being hit by a car in a rush-hour collision.

Emergency services were called to the incident in Grange Road, Darlington, at about 4.15pm this evening.

The 72-year-old woman was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, after being hit by a red Vauxhall Corsa.

The woman, understood to be from the Skerne Park area of Darlington, was described as being in a stable condition.

Police are investigating the possibility that the driver of the Corsa may have been distracted by eggs being thrown at his vehicle.

No-one has been arrested.

The road was blocked in both directions, with diversions in place, while investigations were carried out at the scene.

Dozens of onlookers came out of homes and businesses to watch the air ambulance land in the road.

Jane Peacock, lead paramedic for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said the landing was complicated, as it was in a built-up area.

“The incident involved a 72-year-old pedestrian, who suffered head and arm injuries.

“She was flown to James Cook University Hospital, where she is in a stable condition.

“The flight to hospital took six minutes.”