Nelson boy, 12, knocked down and seriously injured by hit and run driver in Southfield Street

Officers gave chase to a Ford Focus after its driver was spotted driving anti-socially in the Leeds Road area of Nelson at around 4pm yesterday.

The car sped off towards Barkerhouse Road and then onto Southfield Street where it struck a boy crossing the road. The car then crashed further up the road.

The driver and a passenger fled the scene, leaving the youngster seriously injured in the road. The boy was taken to hospital in a serious condition, said Lancashire Police.

The force searched for the pair and a 16-year-old boy was later arrested. He was taken into custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Lancashire Police said an investigation is underway and anyone who has any information or footage should contact the force on 101 quoting log 0911 of August 7.

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Police statement

Lat night, following the hit and run but prior to the arrest, a police spokesperson said: “Many of you will be aware that this evening (Wednesday, August 7) there was an incident in Nelson, and we wanted to give you a bit more detail about what happened.

“At about 4pm one of our patrol cars spotted a car driving anti-socially in the Leeds Road area and began to follow it.

“The car, a Ford Focus, made off on to Barkerhouse Road and then on to Southfield Street where it collided with a boy crossing the road.

“The driver and a passenger made off from the vehicle. They are now being sought by police.

“The boy, 12, has been taken to hospital. His family are being supported by the police.

“We have launched an investigation and anyone who has any information or footage should contact us on 101 quoting log 0911 of August 7.”

The force later added: “A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and is currently in custody.

“We’re continuing to ask that if you have any information or footage that can assist our enquiries, to contact us on 101 quoting log 0911 of August 7. Thank you.”

North West Ambulance Service were approached for comment.