POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident on Tuesday evening which saw an 84-year-old taken to hospital in a serious condition.

It took place near the Methodist Church, in Bath Road, Old Town, at around 4.30pm and led to the closure of the road for almost four hours while officers investigated what happened.

While the exact details are still not known, it is believed the elderly man collapsed on the road close to the church.

It is thought he may then have been struck by a passing car, although police are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help piece together the events, with signs urging witnesses to come forward placed at the scene yesterday.

At this stage there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the driver of the car, which was a back Ford Focus taxi.

Paramedics received reports of an injured man at 4.30pm and sent an ambulance, along with a paramedic car, with the police arriving a short time later.

It was initially thought he had just collapsed but on arrival it was discovered the man had also sustained serious head injuries.

He was rushed to the Great Western Hospital, where he still remains, and police have confirmed his family have been informed.

The road was closed for an extended period while an investigation took place. It meant severe disruption for many commuters trying to get home.

Police are still trying to piece together exactly what happened and want anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We are currently investigating and would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to contact us on 101.”