POLICE are investigating whether a mechanical failure led to an elderly driver’s car mounting the pavement and striking four pedestrians, including a four-year-old girl.

Officers were called to Thirsk Market Place, North Yorkshire, at 9.15am on Friday, when the red car, driven by an elderly woman, hit several people standing near the Co-operative store.

Staff from the shop came out to help the injured. All four suffered shock and minor injuries, including grazes and bruising. The four-year-old girl had grazing to her face.

No one was detained in hospital.

It is believed the injured were local people.

Police have not taken any action over the accident and say they are investigating whether a mechanical fault was to blame.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “We’re investigating this incident, but there may have been a mechanical defect with the vehicle, so we’re looking at that at the moment.

“The injuries to those involved were bumps and bruises.

One young girl had bruising to her knee and shoulder and the little girl had grazes on her left cheek.”

Traffic Constable Chris Dundon, of Thirsk police, praised the actions of the staff who assisted at the scene.

He said: “The staff at the shop reacted very quickly to come to the aid of the pedestrians, who thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries in the incident.”

The shop front was undamaged.

A spokesman for The Co-operative said: “We are pleased that our staff acted so promptly.

“We understand that no one was seriously injured, but we hope they make a speedy recovery.”