POLICE have appealed for information after a girl was knocked down and injured by a hit-and-run driver.

Officers said the youngster was hit by a car in the Ellison Road the , Peterlee, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.

A spokesperson said: "A large black car with an X in the registration which was alleged to be racing around the streets in company with another unidentified vehicle has struck a child pedestrian who was crossing Ellison Road.

"The child was knocked to the ground and injured.

"The vehicle has then made off at speed down Keswick road. I would encourage any person who has knowledge of these vehicles or the owners to please contact the police."

He added: "It was said the driver of the black car would have been well aware of the collision."

The extent of the child's injuries is not known.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police 101, and ask for PC Alan Riddell. Quote incident number DHM-17042018-0438.