Police were last night hunting for the rider of a stolen scooter involved in a serious road accident in Aberdeen.
Eyewitnesses said the man tore free from a stretcher and fled into trees on Anderson Road following the crash on nearby Hilton Drive.
The scooter was involved in a shuddering collision with a delivery van at about 4.50pm, with both vehicles severely damaged.
Emergency services attended and traffic was diverted onto neighbouring streets until the road re-opened at 7.20pm.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “First we heard a terrible noise that I thought was coming from the back of our home before realising there had been a crash.
“We took out blankets and advised the man who had been riding the scooter to remain still as he was obviously hurt.
“But after the ambulance crew arrived and started to see to his injuries he took off and ran into the trees on Anderson Road.”
Eye witnesses said the man was distressed by the stretcher’s restraints before undoing them and running off.
The resident said the man hadn’t been wearing a crash helmet and a jogger had attempted to find him after he had ran off.
They added: “This isn’t the first time stuff like this has happened. I have seen people riding scooters on the pavement looking for a short cut.
“It was only a matter of time before something more serious happened.
A police spokesman last night said: “Officers were called to a road traffic crash between a van and a motorcycle around 4.50pm in Hilton Drive in Aberdeen.
“Emergency services are at the scene. There are no details of any injuries.”
Police later said it was thought the scooter had been stolen.
Officers were understood to be searching for its rider.
