A motorist suspected of a ‘hit and run’ offence after a young girl struck the bonnet of a car has been arrested.

The youngster was thrown several feet following the collision with a blue Toyota at 8.30am on Saturday on Byerley Road, in Shildon.

She was taken to hospital but fortunately her injuries have been described as ‘superficial’.

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The driver did not stop but police have confirmed a 28-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were alerted by the ambulance service to a collision at 8.30am yesterday (August 12) between a pedestrian and a car.

“The incident happened on Byerley Road, in Shildon, and involved a young girl and a blue Toyota, which left the scene of the collision.

“The girl was taken to hospital with what are believed to be superficial injuries.  

“A 28-year-old man was arrested by police a short time later and taken to police custody.

“He has since been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.”

North East Ambulance Service has confirmed it attended the incident.

A spokesman said: "We received a call at 8.21am yesterday to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a car on Byerley Road in Shildon.

"We dispatched a paramedic crew who treated one patient with suspected back and leg injuries before taking them to hospital."