A pedestrian is in a serious condition after being struck by a bus in Oxford High Street where roadworks are being carried out.

The accident happened at 11.50am yesterday and brought the High to a standstill, with buses queuing back into the city and along Cowley Road.

It is thought a man, reported to be in his 60s, was hit by a Stagecoach bus after climbing over a barrier separating the pavement and the road.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was last night being treated for a number of injuries.

The incident caused major traffic queues around the centre of the city and the road was closed for almost two hours while an investigation was carried out.

Police spokesman David Paull said: “Our officers are looking into a collision between a bus and a pedestrian and are trying to establish the precise circumstances of the accident “A male pedestrian in his 60s was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering serious injuries. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening.”

Mr Paull said High Street reopened at 1.20pm, after the accident outside the Grand Café.

The bus involved in the crash was the Stagecoach Number 3 to Rose Hill, which was heading towards Magdalen Bridge.

A pensioner in his 80s, from Rose Hill, who was on the bus, asked not to be named but said the pedestrian may have climbed over a metal barrier before being hit.

He said: “He could have fallen into the path of the bus after climbing over the barrier.”

Meanwhile, Paul Richardson, 32, of Bicester Sweepers, part of the road maintenance team, said it was possible the pedestrian was hit after crossing the road from the other side of High Street.

“He may have been climbing over the barrier after crossing from the other side and then fell backwards from the barrier and got hit,” he added.

“A lot of pedestrians are using a gap in the centre of the roadworks to cross, although they are not supposed to.”

Stephen Moxham, 60, came out of the Queens Lane Coffee House and then “all hell broke loose”.

“You could clearly see where the front window of the bus had been damaged and the High Street was completely gridlocked after the accident,” he said.

Roadworks in High Street, which are being carried out by Oxfordshire County Council, are expected to be completed in spring next year.

Chris Child, a spokesman for Stagecoach Oxfordshire, said: “The male driver of the bus was quite shaken by this.

“We are helping the police with their investigation and we will also be conducting our own investigation.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. If you have any information call 08458 505505.