A COMMUNITY has been left in shock after a pregnant woman was hit by a car as criminals tried to flee her shop following a failed fraud.

The mum-to-be is a popular figure at the Turnpike off-licence in London Road, Leigh - and residents and families in the area have been talking warmly about her as they learn of the horror which unfolded.

The community is now left praying and hoping that she, and her unborn baby, make a full recovery.

Charlie Harris, 45, who lives in Eastwood Road, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard what had happened.

“I go in there for the odd thing or two and the family are always so friendly.

“I don’t even think they have been there that long either. I really hope the mum-to-be pulls through and her baby is OK.”

John Lloyd, who own Lloyds Gentlemen’s Barbers in London Road opposite the off licence, said: “It’s scary, it really is and you certainly wouldn’t expect this to happen around here.

“I know Mad Dogs and Englishmen further down the street had some trouble recently, but nothing this serious has ever happened before. I can’t get my head around it to be honest.”A resident from nearby Westleigh Avenue who asked not to be named, said: “This is really shocking and sad.

“I was in there on Sunday, and the lady was serving and her little boy was running around and playing and talking to me.

“The family have always been really nice and friendly and I just wish her well and hope everything will be OK with her and her unborn child.

“It’s awful, it really is.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 - or alternatively they should call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.