POLICE have responded to criticism and promised that they will catch a dangerous carjacker who stole an elderly woman's car, hit a cyclist in Ulverston and then fled the scene.

Police are continuing their search for a man after a series of incidents on Wednesday afternoon.

Just before noon at Lancaster services, the stocky man, who has dark blond hair, jumped into the passenger seat of a woman's Range Rover Evoque and made threats towards the female driver.

She managed to raise the alarm and the man fled the scene in a white transit van.

Shortly afterwards, at 12.30pm at the Truckhaven services near Carnforth, the man managed to steal an elderly woman's black Volkswagen Polo after threatening her.

Less then three hours later, at 3.20pm and after making his way into Cumbria in the Polo, the man crashed into a cyclist at the junction of Priory Road and Park Road in Ulverston.

The motorist got out of the car and fled the scene and, despite an ongoing search which involved a police helicopter, officers have confirmed he is still on the run.

Police have faced criticism from some members of the public who questioned why the fugitive is still on the loose.

Superintendent Rob O’Connor, in charge of policing in south Cumbria, said: "While I am sure the majority of people fully understand why we cannot divulge the details of the tactics involved – to do so would risk compromising the ongoing work being carried out.

"I can assure the public that every effort is being made to trace the driver involved in this collision and I would ask for patience while we continue that work.

"The investigation into the incident continues today and I am confident that, if the driver does not have the good sense to come forward himself, we will locate and arrest him."

The cyclist, a 24-year-old man from Ulverston, was flown to Royal Preston Hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance, where his condition today was described as critical. Police said his family are with him.

Police have said the man is dangerous and warned members of the public not to approach him if they see him.

He is described as 5ft 10 inches, with dark blond hair, of stocky build, wearing jeans and a white-coloured T-shirt.

Supt Rob O’Connor added: “The driver involved in this collision is not believed to live locally, and we continue to make every effort today to trace him. We would urge him to contact the police immediately.

“We continue to ask that anyone who believes they know the whereabouts of this man contacts police immediately and does not make any attempt to approach him themselves.”

Anyone who has information to assist the police in their search is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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