A MOTHER who was knocked down by a bus was recovering in hospital today.

The 32-year-old woman and her two children were involved with an accident with a single-decker bus in Sunderland city centre on Friday at 2pm.

A police spokesman said last night: "She is still at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Her family are aware. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening."

The woman, who has not been named is believed to have been crossing Holmeside, next to the Savannah pub, when she was hit by a Stagecoach bus that was heading up Holmeside towards the Park Lane interchange.

All three casualties were treated by paramedics before being taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The woman suffered serious head injuries, possibly a fractured skull, while her eight-year-old daughter was being treated for a broken collarbone.

Her 13-year-old brother was said to have escaped injury, but was treated for shock.

Police closed the road for two hours after the accident.

The bus driver was interviewed at the scene and later returned to Stagecoach's Wheatsheaf depot, where he helped the company and the Vehicle Inspectorate with inquiries into the accident.

Inspectors were also examining the bus last night.

Stagecoach in Sunderland divisional traffic manager Robin Knight said the driver was a highly experienced local man, who was extremely shocked by the incident.

None of the passengers on the bus suffered injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact Sunderland Police on 0191-454 7555, extension 66391.

A second pedestrian was knocked unconscious after colliding with a heavy goods vehicle today.

The 60-year-old man was hit by a van as he crossed Southwick Road, in Sunderland, at 8.50am. An ambulance and police attended the scene.

The man was taken to Sunderland District General Hospital with head injuries.

Updated : 12:20, Saturday 22 Feb