Cyclist critical after crash

AN elderly woman has suffered massive head injuries and is fighting for her life in hospital after being knocked from her bike as she cycled home from a shopping trip.

• Police examine Audrey Fyfe's bicycle after she was clipped by a Vectra and knocked on to the road

Audrey Fyfe, 75, was rushed to the Royal Infirmary after being hit by the car, before being transferred to the Western General for emergency surgery.

Two doctors, two nurses and a pair of social workers - who all happened to be passing - rushed to her aid after she was "clipped" by a passing silver Vauxhall Vectra in Portobello Road, Restalrig, at around 6.40pm last night.

Ms Fyfe was knocked unconscious but was treated by the two doctors, who had been jogging past, and the other health workers until paramedics arrived. She suffered massive head injuries and her condition was today described as critical.

Dozens of residents gathered around as police cordoned off the busy thoroughfare.

Traffic was halted and the ambulance remained at the scene for around 30 minutes after the incident while the crew treated the casualty, before taking her to hospital.

Police said the car stopped at the scene of the accident and that the driver was assisting them with their inquiries. They have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Among those who rushed to Ms Fyfe's aid were Sandra and Ian Darling, who covered her in a blanket.

Mrs Darling, 46, a social worker, said: "It seems the woman has been clipped by the Vectra as she was cycling up the road.

"It looks as though she had shopping attached to her bike.

"Our car was just next to where it happened and we grabbed a blanket and ran over to see if we could help. It looked like she was unconscious, or slipping in and out of consciousness."

Mr Darling, 50, also a social worker, added: "We took this blanket and ran over to help, but there were two nurses passing and two people running past who happened to be doctors.

"After they arrived, we stood back and let them take over."

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said: "A female in her 70s has been taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after being knocked down at the junction of Portobello Road and Craigentinny Avenue."

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl suffered minor injuries after being hit by a truck near an Esso petrol station. Police were called to the accident at the Newbridge roundabout at 12.40pm yesterday.

The youngster was taken to the Sick Kids hospital, but her injuries were not thought to be serious. Police closed Old Liston Road for a short period.