SHOCKED onlookers swamped emergency services with calls when two people were knocked down by a car on Saturday night.

A man and a woman were taken to York Hospital by ambulance after the incident in Rougier Street, near the Norwich Union building, at 9pm.

A York Police spokesman said the male suffered serious but not life threatening injuries.

An ambulance service spokesman said a large number of calls were received as a many people were in the area, which is close to several night clubs and bars.

Rougier Street was closed for more than hour - causing serious disruption to several First bus services. "We were quite extensively held up," a First spokesman said.

Two ambulances attended the scene.

The police spokesman said officers spoke to the car driver and inquiries were continuing.

Updated: 10:29 Monday, February 16, 2004