POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run accident that left a 60-year-old man badly injured.

The victim suffered a broken leg and wrist, as well as head and face injuries, when he was struck while walking his dog on the Liverton to Moorsholm road, 50 yards from Liverton High Street.

The vehicle involved in the accident failed to stop, and the man was found at the side of the road by a passing JCB driver.

He was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where he underwent an operation. His condition is now described as not being life-threatening.

The accident, on Monday, happened just days before a meeting was due to take place in the village to discuss possible speed restrictions.

Coun Christine Swales, who represents Liverton and Liverton Mines on Loftus Town Council, is concerned about speeding motorists and the number of accidents, and is trying to secure funding through Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for devices such as speed humps.

To get the funding, residents must be shown to be putting forward proposals and gathering support from neighbours.

Coun Swales said: "The amount of traffic we have had through the village, with Loftus Bank being closed, it is just lucky this didn't happen sooner."

She added: "Hopefully we can get more people to the meeting and get the money to get the job done."

The accident happened at around 4pm on Monday. Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 301558.