Suspected hit-and-run driver urged to 'do right thing'

A car like the one which struck a 15-year-old boy leaving him with life-changing injuries

A driver who allegedly struck a 15-year-old boy leaving him "catastrophically injured" before fleeing the scene has been urged to "do the right thing".

Merseyside Police have released images showing the same kind of vehicle they said was involved in the collision on Sunday 22 December in Kirkby.

The force said a grey Honda Civic struck the boy, who was riding a bicycle, at about 18:25 GMT on Bracknall Avenue near Kirkby High School.

The boy suffered life-changing injuries and he remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The grey Honda Civic, like the one pictured, has a 70 number plate and will likely have significant damage to the front

Neither the driver nor the Honda have been located by police.

The force said the car, which was fitted with a 70 number-plate, is believed to have driven away in the direction of Bewley Avenue and then towards Valley Road.

Det Sgt Simon Duffy from the serious collision investigation unit said: "This was a shocking incident which has left a teenage boy with injuries which will impact him for the rest of his life.

"It is incomprehensible to think that anyone could even consider driving away and leaving the boy with such catastrophic injuries."

'Significant damage'

Det Sgt Duffy appealed directly to the driver of the car to "consider the feelings of the boy and his family and come forward before we locate you".

He urged anyone who was in the Southdene and Westvale areas of Kirkby between 18:00 and 19:15 GMT on 22 December to share any dashcam footage they may have with the police.

Det Sgt Duffy also said the Honda Civic, believed to have been in the Sefton and Kirkby areas for at least a week before the collision, would likely have significant damage to its front.

"I would also ask the local community to consider the victim, his family and the risk posed by such a dangerous driver, and if you have any information at all regarding this incident, then please work with us to help identify those responsible for this crime," he added.