Fleetwood Town 'send their prayers' to supporter left in 'critical condition' following crash with van

Fleetwood Town have sent their "wishes and prayers" to a supporter who was rushed to hospital following a collision with a suspected drug driver.
By Sean Gleaves
Published 21st Aug 2020, 19:04 BST
Updated 21st Aug 2020, 19:36 BST
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Emergency services rushed to reports of a collision between a cyclist and a Ford Transit Tipper on Broadway shortly before 4pm yesterday (August 20).

An air ambulance, land ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene alongside police.

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The cyclist - who has now been identified as Fleetwood Town supporter George McLaughlin - was taken to Royal Preston Hospital in "critical condition" following the incident.

After hearing about George's condition, the football club sent their wishes and prayers to the "born and bred codhead" over social media today (August 21), and urged him to "keep fighting".

"Everyone at Fleetwood Town FC would like to send their wishes and prayers to supporter George McLaughlin who is seriously ill in hospital following a road accident yesterday," a spokesman for Fleetwood Town FC said.

"He is a born and bred codhead and the life of Highbury on a match day. Keep fighting George."

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In a statement issued this afternoon, officers confirmed the van driver - a 38-year-old man from Fleetwood - had been arrested on suspicion of causing "serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with excess drugs.

The road was closed between Poulton Road and the Shell Garage for four hours while investigation work was carried out. (Credit: Lancashire Police)The road was closed between Poulton Road and the Shell Garage for four hours while investigation work was carried out. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
The road was closed between Poulton Road and the Shell Garage for four hours while investigation work was carried out. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

Police also launched an appeal for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or information about the incident to come forward.

Sgt Phil Baxendale, of Lancashire Police Tactical Operations, said: "This incident has left a young man very seriously injured and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

"We are working to establish the full circumstances of the collision and would ask any witnesses to get in contact as soon as possible.

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"We are particularly keen to hear from anybody with CCTV or dashcam footage."

The road was closed between Poulton Road and the Shell Garage for four hours while investigation work was carried out, but it has since reopened.

Anybody with information has been urged to contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected], quoting log number 1017 of August 20.