Mum-of-two is left fighting for life (From Stroud News and Journal)

Mum-of-two is left fighting for life

A MUM of two was fighting for her life yesterday after a horrific accident in Stroud which resulted in a car ploughing into Stratford Park lake.

The 38-year-old woman was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol where her head and internal injuries were said to be critical.

Police spokesman Matt Ford confirmed yesterday she had undergone an MRI scan.

The 80-year-old car driver, Stroud District Councillor Sheffie Mohammed and his wife, Mary, who was a passenger in the vehicle were also taken to hospital after the collision at around 11am.

Cllr Mohammed is believed to have complained of chest pains before the incident, prompting fears he suffered a heart attack or some kind of seizure before his silver Mazda carried on over a roundabout on Beeches Green Road before colliding with the woman pedestrian.

The car then knocked down a lamp post and careered down a slope before plunging into the lake.

Mrs Mohammed, 76 was helped out of the car soon after the accident by firefighters but Cllr Mohammed, was left unconcious and had to be cut free. They were both taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Cllr Mohammed was said to be 'comfortable' in hospital yesterday. Mrs Mohammed was discharged.

It is believed the woman's sister was walking with her at the time of the collision, pushing a child in a pushchair and only narrowly avoided being hit.

The couple moved to Stroud 43 years ago from Trinidad and Cllr Mohammed is the longest serving member of Stroud District Council, having been elected 30 years ago.

He is a grandfather, a former RAF serviceman and a qualified watchmaker. The couple live in Paganhill and Cllr Mohammed is the member for Farmhill, Paganhill and Uplands.

The accident caused chaos to traffic in Stroud. Beeches Green Road was closed for five hours as well as approaching roads including the A4171, A46, B4070 and A4173.

Police interviewed anglers, who are believed to have witnessed the incident, but are appealing for anyone with further information to telephone 0845 0901234, quoting incident number 188 of Monday, May 16.