By David Watkinson

A 20-year-old student is in a critical condition in hospital after being knocked down by a taxi while she was believed to be on a night out.

Vikki Spear, of Great Harwood, is being treated for serious head injuries at Manchester Royal Infirmary after the accident at 3.50am on Sunday.

The Manchester University student was with three friends at the time.

Police said she was trying to cross Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield, Manchester, when she was struck by a silver Nissan Primera.

Vikki was rushed to hospital and is in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Her family are at her bedside.

Doctors have described her condition as "critical".

Vicki is a former pupil at St Augustine's RC High School in Billington.

Yesterday staff at the school, which has pupils aged between 11 and 16-years-old, said prayers for her in the staffroom.

Headteacher Anthony McNamara, said: "We heard the terrible news and we are all thinking about her and her family.

"Vikki is a good friend of my daughter's and I know her well.

"She is a delightful girl - very clever and very polite.

"Everyone at St Augustine's wishes her the best. We are all praying for her recovery."

Vikki has a younger sister who also attends St Augustine's.

Police said that Vikki was believed to be on the way home from a night out at the time of the accident.

The taxi driver was unhurt and was spoken to by police. He was not arrested.

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