Piccadilly Rats star Ray Boddington is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a tram.

Ray was seriously injured in the collision which took place on High Street, in between Market Street and Shudehill, shortly before 7pm yesterday.

Paramedics and police were called to the scene before the 77-year-old was taken to hospital.

Police confirmed this morning that a man in his 70s had been hit by a tram and was in a critical condition in hospital.

A statement posted on the cult busker's Facebook page said Ray was in a critical condition and currently on a life support machine.

The message said: "Ray Boddington (Piccadilly rats dancer) was hit by a tram today near the Arndale Centre.

"He's in hospital on a life support machine helping him to breath and his injuries are so bad they said it's touch and go next 48 hours.

"His family are devastated as he is one of the kind, such a amazing guy who brought smiles to everyone.

(Image: A J Drummond-Hill)

"It's such sad news to see and hear, please pray for him and please share this post so people can pray for him. Thank you all."

Police tape was put up following the incident and Metrolink services were halted while emergency services attended.

An investigation into the collision is taking place.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "A man is in a critical condition in hospital following a collision with a tram.



"Around 6.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 10 April 2019) a tram was travelling from Market Street in the direction of Victoria train station when it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian at the junction of High Street and Church Street.



"The collision left the pedestrian- a 78-year-old man- with serious head injuries. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.



"The tram driver provided negative samples for alcohol and drugs and no arrests have been made.



"Officers are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and speak to police."

(Image: A J Drummond-Hill)

Police Constable Andrew Page of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We’re working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision which has left a man with serious injuries.



“If you were in the area yesterday evening and you witnessed the collision then please get in touch with us, as your information could be vital in allowing us to piece together what happened.



“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone with video or dashcam footage.”

Watch: Piccadilly Rats on Judge Rinder

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Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Ray is a familiar face in Manchester city centre and can often be seen dancing with the other members of the Piccadilly Rats.

The musician, a retired hairdresser, has previously appeared on the X Factor, and also turned up on daytime courtroom series Judge Rinder.

The Piccadilly Rats lineup includes founders Gaz Stanley and Ray Boddington - plus an array of friends they've met along the way, including Tommy Trouble, drummer Alan Jones, and teenage bassist Robert Branch.

As well as their performances in Manchester city centre, the band have played at festivals including Kendal Calling and Parklife.

"We started off busking and we bought this rat's head mask for the drummer - as bit of a gimmick," said Gaz. "And people started throwing money at us! So that's how we got the name.

"It's a great life. We've been on the same bill as both Gallagher brothers at Kendall Calling and Parklife.

"They are our heroes!"

Speaking to the M.E.N. after auditioning for Britain's Got Talent, Ray said: "They're never off the phone to me. I've had six communications in the last few weeks, saying, 'Please turn up, we're very excited about your voice and what you do, you can turn your hand to anything, don't let us down, just come to Blackpool'.

(Image: Jacob Willis)

"They said my little dance that I put into my act is going to send the women wild - and that they can understand why I've had four girlfriends!

"As soon as I dance in Piccadilly, the girls are there - even the men; I got an offer to take me on a cruise once."Ray and Tommy can often be spotted on Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens and have become popular figures in the city centre for their ramshackle and wacky covers of punk and rock songs.

"We started off busking and we bought this rat's head mask for the drummer - as bit of a gimmick," said Gaz.

(Image: A J Drummond-Hill)

"And people started throwing money at us! So that's how we got the name.

"It's a great life. We've been on the same bill as both Gallagher brothers at Kendall Calling and Parklife.

"They are our heroes!""We went to Noel's after party - his other brother Paul was there and said to Ray 'Noel is sorry he couldn't meet you but he wanted me to say he loves your dancing'.

"We've met Bez [from the Happy Mondays] as well - but Ray didn't know who he was- he said 'Who's that?'"