Stolen car ploughs into crowd

Tyre skid marks outside the Hippodrome theatre

Police have interviewed a woman who was seriously injured when a stolen car mounted the kerb in Bristol city centre.

The woman, who has not been named, was the most badly injured of three pedestrians.

Police believe the driver lost control and ploughed into a group outside the Hippodrome theatre on St Augustine's Parade on Sunday.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said it was fortunate more people were not injured.

The thief chose to take this car, chose to drive at speed and chose to drive dangerously

Inspector Adrian Goldie

Witnesses said they saw the car being driven down Park street at high speed just before 0300 BST on Sunday.

The driver seemed to lose control and mounted the pavement.

The three injured people were taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary.

One woman with head injuries is being kept under observation.

Driver fled

Inspector Adrian Goldie confirmed that the car was stolen earlier in the evening.

"The vehicle was taken from the Upper Knowle area of Bristol.

"At around five to three in the morning that same vehicle drove through a crowd of young people enjoying themselves outside the Hippodrome."

Police are searching for the driver who left the scene.

Insp Goldie said: "The fact remains the thief chose to take this car, chose to drive at speed and chose to drive dangerously.

"As a result of that a woman has ended up in hospital with serious injuries."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.