A woman is fighting for her life after being struck by a taxi in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Manchester, police have said.

The 22-year-old woman was found with serious head injuries after police received reports at 4.45am on Sunday that she was knocked over in the city centre by a black cab, which fled the scene.

The woman was taken to hospital where her condition is described as potentially life threatening, Greater Manchester police said.

PC Paul Hailwood, of the GMP serious collision investigation unit, said: “We are still establishing exactly what happened with this collision and we are keen to speak to the driver of the black taxi cab that was involved.

“It is possible that the driver didn’t know the seriousness of the collision or the woman’s injuries before they drove off but we would like to speak with them and get their account of what happened. If you are the driver or if you witnessed the collision and have information then I would like to urge you to please contact the police.”

Anybody with information should call the GMP serious collision investigation unit on 0161 856 4741 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.