AN ELDERLY woman was in a critical condition last night after being in collision with a pedal bike.

The accident happened at around 2pm on Wednesday and involved a 77-year-old woman from the Caerleon area and a male cyclist in Ponthir Road in the town.

Locals say the collision happened near a crossing and many people rushed to the scene.

They said the road was closed for several hours while emergency services attended.

Both people were taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and the cyclist suffered minor injuries.

A member of staff from The Star Inn, which is near the accident scene, said he was made aware of it by customers.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: “There were so many people out there trying to help.”

At the time of the incident the manager of Ponthir Tyre Services, Mark Lewis, said he heard numerous police cars going up and down the road.

The pensioner suffered head injuries and remained in a critical condition as the Argus went to press last night.

Gwent Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, and anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101.