A NINE-year-old boy has been injured in a hit-and-run accident.

The boy was knocked off his bike when he was hit by a minibus in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “The driver of the minibus got out of the vehicle and spoke to the child.

“He then got back in the van and moved it a short distance up the road before fleeing the scene on foot.

“The child was then taken to hospital by paramedics where he is currently undergoing treatment”.

Police are now appealing for information about the accident which happened at around 5.20pm on Sunday on Hazeldene Avenue in the Kenton area of the city.

The driver is described as being white, of medium build, with dark hair and thought to be aged in his 40s. He was wearing a black jacket.

Anyone who saw the collision, or has any information is asked to ring Northumbria Police on 101.