A WOMAN was taken to hospital with a suspected spine fracture after the bus she was travelling on braked suddenly to avoid a taxi.

Police are now appealing for information about the cab - identified only as a blue saloon - which drove away from the scene.

The Stagecoach bus was carrying passengers along Scale Hall Lane in Lancaster at 6.45pm last Friday when it was forced to brake suddenly to avoid a head-on collision with the taxi travelling in the opposite direction.

A police spokesman says the passenger, a 50-year-old Lancaster woman, fell over and sustained a fracture to her spine. She was taken by paramedics to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

She was described as comfortable' yesterday (Wednesday). Anyone who has information should contact PC Steve Hemingway on 01524-63333.