A HEROIC teenager was hit by a car after pushing an eight-year-old boy out of its path to safety.

The 13-year-old suffered a glancing blow on the leg from what is believed to be a Hyundai car.

The driver initially stopped, but then left the scene and is being sought by police.

The accident happened at about 8pm on Wednesday in Cookson Terrace, in Murton, County Durham.

Details of the incident were only revealed by police yesterday.

The two boys, along with a nine-year-old boy, had been to the chip shop.

The eldest was outside waiting for his friends when he saw two men come out of the nearby Dalton Park Inn and get into a green car.

The collision happened when the boys crossed the road from behind some parked cars.

PC Claire Hepburn said: "The car was driven to the bottom of the street and turned round and came back up the road.

"About 20 minutes later the driver returned to Salvation Army premises to check on the condition of the injured boy.

"The youngster had been taken to Peterlee Community Hospital and released after treatment for an ankle injury."

PC Hepburn appealed for the driver to come forward and asked anyone who witnessed the accident or who knows who he is to get in touch.

The driver was described as being aged between 30 and 40, about 5ft 11in and with a heavy build.

He is balding on the top of his head and has his head shaved at the sides.

The number to call is 0845-60-60-365.