A Bolton man is in custody after a hit-and-run which left a newborn baby dead.

Six people have been arrested after a newborn baby died and a mother was left with serious injuries in a hit-and-run.

Lancashire Police said a pregnant woman, aged in her 30s, was walking along a pedestrian crossing on Station Road, Bamber Bridge, shortly before 8pm on Sunday, September 29, when she was hit by a car driver travelling towards Preston.

She was admitted to hospital where her son was delivered but died a short time later.

The mother remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the car, believed to be a dark-grey Toyota Prius with the registration FY62 MXC, did not stop at the scene and police are still trying to locate the vehicle.

The force said a 17-year-old girl from Lostock Hall, a 19-year-old man from Bolton and a 40-year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The three remain in custody.

Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17 and a 53-year-old man, all from Bamber Bridge, have also been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Riley urged anyone with information or CCTV or doorbell camera footage to come forward.

“This is an absolutely appalling incident which has resulted in the death of a little baby and has left his mother very poorly in hospital and my thoughts are with their loved ones,” she said.

“Our investigation is making good progress, but I would still like to hear from anyone who may have footage or information which could help us piece together the events which led to this tragic collision and what happened afterwards.”

Anyone with information has been asked to either call 101 quoting log 1163 of September 29, email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.