A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy has described how he was left lying at the side of the road after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Liam Kendell, who escaped serious injury, had to be treated in hospital for bruising to his right leg and a swollen foot.

Police have mounted a search for the driver of the car, after the crash near Ladysmith Court, South Stanley, County Durham, at 8.30pm on Sunday.

Recovering at his home in nearby Pentlands Terrace, Liam said: "This car came from the opposite direction on my side of the road.

"I had no time to get out of its way. It all happened so quickly. He smacked into me.

"My leg caught the front grill of the car and I was thrown clear. He just rode off, leaving me lying on the grass on the side of the road. He never got out of the car".

Liam added: "I was so shocked that I couldn't remember the colour of the car. It had spoilers on and special bumpers on the front and at the back."

His mother, Sharon McKie, said: "I ran down expecting the worst.

"Thankfully, he was not badly hurt."

PC Liam Padget said: "He was very lucky not to have been more seriously hurt.

"I would appeal for anyone with information about the driver responsible to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Padget on 0845 606 0365.