A WOMAN has died after a being hit by a lorry in Leigh.

The accident happened in Leigh Road at about 11.40am today.

Police said the pedestrian, a woman in her 90s who has not yet been identified, died at the scene.

A man who lives nearby said: "I didn't see it happen but I've heard that a lady has been killed.

"I think she was crossing the road and a truck has come round the corner and hit her.

"It is a horrible thing to have happened, to be run over at that age."

Police said the road will be closed from Market Place to Platt Street "for the foreseeable future".

Platt Street, Market Street, and Abbey Street are also closed and police are advising motorists to avoid the area.

Witnesses said there was a large number of police at the scene carrying out investigation work.

A woman who works in a nearby shop said: "We didn't see what happened but we've heard.

"It is normally a really busy road and traffic is queued right back so we don't know how it has happened."

Police say they have not been able to identify the woman or trace any relatives, and have now issued a description.

She was white, with short grey hair, wearing a beige coat and blue trousers and had a black and purple tartan wheeled shopping trolley.

Sgt Mark Thomas, from the police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “We believe she lives locally and are hoping someone will know her or someone related to her based on the description we have provided.

“Finding out this way is of course devastating and the last thing we want but unfortunately we have been left with no alternative.

“If someone knows this woman please contact us as soon as possible and I would like to reassure you that we have specially trained officers on hand to speak with you.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8564741.

Anyone who witnessed the incident can call police on 101 or 0161 8567225.