THIS is the dramatic moment a pensioner was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a rush-hour accident caused by yobs throwing eggs.

The 72-year-old woman was struck by a blue Ford Focus as she crossed Blackwell Lane near the junction with Grange Road, Darlington, at about 4.15pm yesterday.

Police said a 36-year-old mother, who was driving the vehicle, had been distracted by eggs thrown from a red Vauxhall Corsa containing four youths.

Her car struck the pensioner, who had reached the middle of the road.

Police last night appealed for information from members of the public in their bid to trace the youths, who left the scene without stopping.

The pensioner was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with serious head and arm injuries.

The shocked driver of the Ford Focus, who suffered minor injuries, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with her 11-year-old son, who was a passenger, for a precautionary check.

Acting Inspector Andy Reeves said: “The Ford Focus was driven north along the A167 Grange Road.

“Just before the accident the car was pelted by eggs from a passing red Vauxhall Corsa containing four male youths.

“The car has then veered towards Blackwell Lane where it collided with the 72-year-old pedestrian, who was half-way across the road.”

Acting Insp Reeves condemned the actions of the youths, saying: “Incidents of this sort have the potential to be significantly dangerous to other road users.

“This accident is an example of that. We will deal with any offenders appropriately.”

The pensioner, who is understood to be from the Skerne Park area of Darlington, was last night in a stable condition in hospital.

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.”

Anyone with information is asked to to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.