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A female cyclist is fighting for life after she was hit by a lorry in west London during rush hour.

The woman, aged in her mid 30s, went into cardiac arrest after being hit on Chelsea Bridge just before 8am on Wednesday.

Scotland Yard said the crash happened near the junction with Grosvenor Road, where there is a cycle superhighway.

She was treated at the scene and taken to King's College hospital in Denmark Hill.

Police said the woman is in a critical condition.

The driver of the HGV has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Witnesses described seeing a mangled bike under a truck near the back wheels.

Cyclist Peter Christian told the Standard he saw a mangled bike under a truck near the back wheels as he was riding to work.

He said: "I didn't want to look towards the scene behind the blue tarpaulin. There were lots of emergency services present. There seemed to be another big truck close behind."

Helen Ward posted on Twitter: "Accident on Chelsea Bridge this morning, looked like bike - lorry collision. I always wheel my bike over the bridge because it's not safe."

Melissa Fehr posted: "That was the most traumatic commute I've had in years. Started with the aftermath of a cyclist HGV collision at Chelsea Bridge."

Graham Jonny said: "Something very bad at Chelsea Bridge this morning. All roads closed, ambulances, police, fire services. Doesn't look good."

Chris Wigley added: "Terrible bike/truck accident north end of Chelsea Bridge. All roads blocked. Avoid if you can.

Police closed Chelsea Bridge and Grosvenor Road in both directions between Vauxhall Bridge and Chelsea Embankment while traffic officers investigate.

A Met Police spokesman said: "We were called at 7.50am to reports of a cyclist in collision with a lorry on Chelsea Bridge Road at the junction with Grosvenor Road.

"The road has been closed while emergency services deal with the incident.

"A woman was taken to a west London hospital. Her injuries are thought to be serious and her condition is described as critical.

"Next of kin have been informed."

Firefighters were also called to the crash and assisted paramedics, a spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade said.