OFFICERS investigating a hit-and-run incident where a nine-year-old boy was knocked off his bike are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

The youngster was hurt during the collision with a minibus at around 5.20pm on the afternoon of Sunday, September 3 on Hazeldene Avenue in Kenton, Newcastle.

The driver told the boy he would go and find help, but reportedly got back in the minibus, which belonged to the Street Cars firm, and abandoned the vehicle up the road before fleeing on foot.

The child was taken to hospital by paramedics with a serious wrist injury but he has since been discharged and is set to make a full recovery.

Following an appeal for witnesses, and the support of the firm who owned the mini bus, officers were able to trace a man suspected to be the driver however a full investigation is still ongoing.

Police are want to trace the driver of a light coloured BMW thought to be in the area at the time.

To help call Northumbria Police on 101.