Police are trying to trace a mobility scooter rider who mowed down an elderly woman in a town centre.

The frail woman, in her 80s, was sent flying after she was hit by a man driving the scooter on the pavement in Chichester Road, Southend.

CCTV footage captured by the Bottleyards Bar and Restaurant showed members of the public and staff rushing to the woman’s aid after she fell to the floor.

The video starts with the woman, who was wearing a green coat and beige skirt, pulling a shopping basket while walking along the pavement.

A scooter rider approaches from behind but appears not to notice the woman.

His vehicle clatters into the back of her legs, leaving her on the floor.

Members of the public came to help the woman, who did appear to be injured. However, she went to hospital the following day for checks.

Although the man quickly got off the scooter to help he did not wait at the scene or leave any details.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We attended a collision between a pedestrian and a mobility scooter in Southchurch Road, Southend, just after 3.10pm on Saturday.

“The pedestrian, a woman aged in her 80s, did not require hospital treatment at the scene but was taken to hospital the following day for further checks. Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any offences had been committed.

“Anyone with information is asked contact Chigwell Roads Policing Unit quoting incident 662 of 09/09 on 101.”

The footage was posted on social media where it attracted dozens of comments about the incident.

One Facebook user wrote: “I use a mobility scooter myself but observe the Highway Code. Does the user of this scooter think that everyone should move out of his way so that he can maintain his speed?

“Then he needs a lesson in courtesy and good manners.”

According to the Highway Code, mobility scooter users should give pedestrians priority on the pavement.

And a maximum speed limit of 4 mph is set for drivers. The average walking speed of an able-bodied person is 3 mph.

The guide says: “You should give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users, particularly those with a hearing or visual impairment who may not be aware that you are there.

“You may need to reduce your speed to adjust to other pavement users who may not be able to move out of your way quickly enough or where the pavement is too narrow.”

Another Facebook user said: “You can buy insurance (3rd party) that covers injury to other people but very few users do. It should be make illegal to drive one without insurance just as it is with other motorised vehicles.

“No insurance, your scooter is taken away and possibly crushed, just like cars.”

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