A MOTHER-of-three from Trowbridge and police are appealing for witnesses after she suffered neck and back injuries in a hit and run collision near Holt last Thursday afternoon (June 13).

Maria Lopez, 28, of Woolpack Meadow, Trowbridge, was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath by ambulance following the accident between 1pm and 1.20pm.

It happened on the B3107 Melksham Road at the entrance to the Stagwood Stables between Holt and Melksham.

Miss Lopez, a Mencap support worker, was taking a Down’s Syndrome passenger 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. She believes the other vehicle was a 2004 Citroen C3.

She said: "I just hope the other driver hands himself in to the police. I don't understand why someone would drive off."

Miss Lopez spent Thursday and part of Friday in the RUH being treated for her injuries. She has dislodged two vertebra in her spine and says she is feeling "very sore".

Her passenger was taken to the RUH the next day for treatment after refusing help at the accident scene.

PC Mark Curle, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am looking to hear from anyone who was driving this route at the same time as the incident, who may have either witnessed what happened, or may have dash cam footage of the incident.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190056778. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.