A WOMAN was hit by a car believed to be racing on roads around Lakeside shopping centre.

A witness told how she was crossing outside TGI Friday’s in West Thurrock Way when she was sent flying by a “speeding” Volkswagen Golf.

She landed on the car’s bonnet, smashing its windscreen, and suffered injuries to her arm.

The incident happened at about 10.30pm on Saturday as cruisers once again descended on the retail park.

One witness, a 22-year-old man, who did not wish to be named, saw the accident happen from the otherside of the road.

He said: “There was someone driving too fast.

“He hit the woman and sent her flying. She landed on the windscreen. I went running over to her and she couldn’t move, she was in a lot of pain.

“It looked like the car was racing. It was doing 40 or 50 mile per hour and had ten to 15 cars behind it.”

Police, who were dealing with the first significant cruiser meeting at Lakeside in months, are investigating.

A spokesperson said: “Police were in the area having been called to reports of a meeting of car enthusiasts. Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 101.”