A family are appealing for witnesses after a Mencap support worker suffered back injuries in a hit and run collision in Holt this afternoon.

Maria Lopez, 28, of Woolpack Meadow, Trowbridge, was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath by land ambulance following the accident just before 1pm.

It happened on the B3107 Melksham Road close to the Stagwood Stables before the East Lane junction to Broughton Gifford.

Miss Lopez was taking a young man with Down’s Syndrome to a riding lesson at the stables, which runs Wiltshire Equine Assisted Learning for people with disabilities.

Her silver Vauxhall Corsa was hit from behind by another silver vehicle whose driver failed to stop.

Her aunt, Rachel Tucker, said: “My niece has been hurt after a hit and run in Holt. The other driver just left the scene.

“Maria is a Mencap support worker and was driving a client with Down’s Syndrome to have a riding lesson. She was rear ended by a silver car that didn't stop.

“The man with Down’s is unhurt but Maria has been taken to the RUH with a back injury and is now being assessed. We think her car is a write off.

“Police and ambulance attended the scene. We are appealing for witnesses. The accident happened at just before 1pm today.

“We think the other vehicle has been damaged as the police found a passenger side wing mirror at the accident scene that doesn’t belong to Maria’s car.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.