AN 83-year-old grandmother was seriously injured when she was mowed down by a young boy who was riding his bicycle on a pavement in Old Hill.

Jean Rickards was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken hip, broken arm, a gash on her hand and severe facial bruising.

When she came round she was being tended to by ambulancemen and was taken to Russells Hall Hospital where she had to undergo a partial hip replacement to repair the damage.

Mrs Rickards, who lives in Apsley House independent care home close to where the accident happened in Highgate Street, on Sunday March 13, will need 24-hour-a-day care for the forseeable future.

Her family is appealing for the youngster responsible to come forward to apologise and are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of riding their bikes too quickly and without care and attention.

Granddaughter Zoe Roberts said: “I don’t think it’s safe for young children to ride their bikes on the roads, but they must be taught to take care and to understand what the consequences of running into someone can be.

“We would like this boy to come and say sorry. We would not be angry with him, we just want to know what happened.”

Mrs Rickards crossed Highgate Street and had just stepped onto the pavement when the boy, aged about nine, ran into her. It is thought passersby raised the alarm and although the boy was still there when she regained consciousness he did not make himself known to her.

Miss Roberts said her mother, Francene Roberts, may have to give up her job as a pharmacy assistant to look after Mrs Rickards once she is discharged from hospital.

“This has really knocked Nan about and follows an accident 10 years ago when she slipped on ice and broken her other arm and hip. We are worried how this is going to affect her mentally and emotionally, as well as physically,” added Miss Roberts.

The boy and his family can contact Mrs Rickards via carers at Apsley House, Wellington Street.