TWO people were taken to hospital following separate crashes in Whitehaven and Cleator.

They were involved in incidents reported within minutes of each other yesterday at about 3.50pm.

A spokesman from Cumbria Police said both collisions involved pedestrians and cars.

A 47-year-old woman from Whitehaven was taken to West Cumberland Hospital following a crash involving a white Vauxhall Vivaro van in Preston Street at 3.53pm.

She was transferred to the Royal Victotria Infirmary in Newcastle where she was in a critical but stable condition.

The crash in Cleator happened on the A5086, Main Street at about 3.54pm and involved a black Peugeot 207 which collided with a pedestrian.

A 52-year-old man from Maryport was airlifted to Preston Royal Hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.

Both roads were closed for a number of hours in both directions while the incidents were dealt with by the collision investigation unit. They were opened by 8.30pm.

Officers are appealing for people to contact 101 with information about both incidents.

Anyone who witnessed the crash in Whitehaven is asked to speak to PC 1960 Iain Parsons. Those who saw what happened in Cleator should contact PC 1558 Martin Renney.