A YOUNG man was critically ill today after a driver "lost control" of his car and ploughed into a group gathered by a Worcester road.

Two women also suffered serious injuries in the "horrific" accident outside the Evening News' Hylton Road offices during the early hours.

A worker loading newspapers into a lorry heard the screech of brakes at around 3am, followed by screams from the large group, believed to be students.

John Gwyneth's wife said he was too upset to talk about the accident, but described the aftermath as "horrific".

"He heard the kids' screams and called an ambulance when he saw what had happened," she said. "He was horrified by the extent of the young man's injuries."

Shocked Evening News worker Reg Wilson said that, judging from the damage to the windscreen of the blue/grey Rover involved, the victim had been catapulted over the car. He suffered serious head injuries.

"He must have gone around 10 feet in the air before landing face down," he said.

"Paramedics had to cut his clothes off, he was in such a bad way.

"I think the group, about five girls and five boys, had been out drinking and were just standing around outside the building when the accident happened.

"The driver lost control, for whatever reason, mounted the pavement and ploughed into the group."

Following the incident, one man ran towards Sabrina Bridge but was caught there by police shortly afterwards.

They confirmed that the man, and another male occupant of the car, were helping officers with their enquiries.

The two women, who suffered a fractured pelvis and a back injury respectively, were being treated at Ronkswood Hospital.

No further information was available on their condition. Police had not revealed the names of any of the casualties.

Anyone who has information or who witnessed the collision can contact PC Ian Hope, on 01905 723888, quoting c/551945.