Fundraiser launched for young Fleetwood dad left in 'critical condition' following crash with van

Fleetwood Town supporter George McLaughlin, 23, was cycling on Broadway shortly before 4pm on Thursday when he was involved with a collision with a Ford Transit Tipper

An air ambulance, land ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene alongside police and Mr McLaughlin was taken to Royal Preston Hospital in a "critical condition" following the incident.

A fundraiser has now been set up by Shirley Ramsbottom from Fleetwood.

She said on the Go Fund Me page: "From reading all the the messages on Facebook it truly shows how loved George is and how he is so important to Fleetwood and the community.

"George is so passionate about our town and puts his heart and soul into everything he does . I’ve set this go fund me page up so we can help George and his baby girl Vienna Rose during this hard time."

Shirley has set a target of £5,000 and more than £1,800 has already been raised. Anyone who wants to donate can go to the Go Fund Me link here.

After hearing about George's condition, Fleetwood Town sent their wishes and prayers to the "born and bred codhead" over social media yesterday, 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."

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.

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.

"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.