A driver plowed into Christmas shoppers, injuring seven people – including a baby who was taken to hospital.

Five adults and two children were injured after an elderly driver, believed to be in his 80s, collided with pedestrians visiting a Christmas market in Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, today.

Avon and Somerset Police said the collision occurred at the top of the high street before midday when police were called to reports a car collided with pedestrians at low speed as it maneuvered out of a parking space.

A witness, Esra Ward, who runs a pizza stand at the market, witnessed the whole thing.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: “We were just talking to the customers outside our van.

“The car was parked and suddenly we saw him speeding up as he came out of the parking space and hit a few people.

“There was a mother standing in front of the car with a baby in a stroller. Apparently he met a few people in the back, a family. The ambulance, police and fire department were here in about five minutes.”

A police spokesman said: “The driver – believed to be a man in his 80s – and seven pedestrians (five adults and two children) were assessed at the scene by emergency services.

“We would like to reassure people that despite the extensive emergency response, no one is currently considered to be suffering from life-threatening or life-changing injuries. Two small children, including a baby, were taken to hospital.

“Anyone who saw what happened or has footage that could help and who has not spoken to officers at the scene is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5224315536.”

South Western Ambulance Service said it received a call at 11.58am and five ambulances, a rescue aircraft and several other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Organizers Chipping Sodbury Christmas Sunday confirmed on Facebook that the event was still ongoing.

They said: “As many of you know, there has been an incident up on the High Street.

“Police have advised us not to cancel today’s event, so the rest of the High Street remains open from Hobbs House Bakery down to Broad Street and Horse Street.

“We would ask anyone present today to refrain from photographing the incident or speculating on social media as we deploy emergency services to help those in need.”