POLICE are appealing for the driver of a car which hit a schoolboy to come forward.

Officers said the woman stopped after the incident in Ferryhill, County Durham, and got out of the car to readjust her wing mirror.

She then drove off without checking on the boy, who had a badly injured ankle.

The accident happened on the B6287, at its junction with Siemans Street, at 3.45pm last Thursday, as the 11-year-old was walking home from school.

A police spokesman said he was crossing the road with a friend when he was hit by the dark BMW.

The nearside front wheel ran over the boy's foot and he clipped the wing mirror as he fell.

Officers believe the driver would have known that her car had collided with the boy, but may not have been aware that he received more than just a glancing blow.

The woman, who is thought to be in her late 20s or early 30s, drove off in the direction of Kirk Merrington.

Police said the schoolboy was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital for treatment to his badly swollen foot and ankle. It would appear no bones were broken, but doctors have put a cast on as a precaution.

Appealing for the driver to come forward, Sergeant Kelvin Vincent said: "I would urge her to make contact so we can take a formal statement and complete our inquiries."

The driver and witnesses are asked to ring Sgt Vincent at Newton Aycliffe police on (01325) 314401.