An elderly woman if fighting for her life in hospital after being knocked down in Edinburgh.

The 72-year-old was critically injured in the incident on the Cowgate around 10.40pm on Tuesday, as the area was busy with festival-goers.

She was struck by the vehicle at the junction with Pleasance and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Medics said she is in a critical condition.

The driver of the Mercedes B-Class stopped at the scene of the collision but police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant John Easton from the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh said: "At this time we are working to establish exactly what has happened during this incident and we would urge motorists or members of the public who were in the area at the time and witnessed the collision to come forward.

"The Pleasance area would have been quite busy due to ongoing festival events and so anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.

"In addition, vehicles with dash-cam footage, which may be able to assist with this inquiry should also get in touch."