A cyclist remains in a critical condition following a crash on a busy Cumbrian road.

The 41-year-old Carlisle man sustained serious head injuries and was airlifted to hospital.

Emergency crews were called to the scene of the incident on the A66 near Penruddock just after 4.15pm yesterday.

A pedal cycle and a van were involved in the collision.

A police spokesman said: "He (the cyclist) was taken by the air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle where his condition is described as critical."

The other vehicle involved was a Citroen Berlingo, driven by a 24-year-old man from the Penrith area. He was not injured.

The road was closed for three hours whilst police officers carried out investigative work.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact PC 391 Gary Kelso from the Cumbria Police Mobile Support Group on 101.