POLICE are appealing for a hit-and-run driver to contact them after a Darlington boy suffered painful injuries when he was thrown into the air.

Ryan Kneale, 11, from Springwell Terrace, was hit by a silver car as he crossed Darlington's Whinbush Way near the junction with Sparrow Hall Drive at about 5.15pm yestreday.

The driver slowed down but failed to stop.

Ryan, a pupil at Whinfield Primary School, suffered a broken left leg and a bad gash to his face.

His mother Kirsty Whithouse Kneale said: “I received a call from the mum of one of Ryan’s friends who told me Ryan had been hit by a car.

“I work in Hartlepool and that journey home was just awful, wondering what had happened to him.

“I would hate for another parent to have to go through that.

“We are just so fortunate that Ryan’s injuries aren’t more serious.

“Ryan is being so brave and we just hope the driver comes forward.”

Pc Steve Graham, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This is a really serious incident and quite frankly Ryan could have come off far worse.

“I am sure this incident will be weighing heavily on the mind of the driver and I would urge them to clear their conscience and contact us.

“I would also appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time or may have any information to please get in touch.”

Call police on 101 with reference number 0406 of February 1.