A STOLEN car knocked over a boy after jumping red lights.

The incident happened at 11.14am on Thursday (May 30) when the white Ford Focus going west along Benton Park Road , Newcastle, went through a stop light light and hit a five-year-old boy on a pedestrian crossing at the junction with Freeman Road.

The car - registration NK07JZH - then left along Freeman Road.

The boy was treated by paramedics at the scene. His injuries are not described as life-threatening.

The car, which had previously been stolen from Clifton Avenue, Newcastle, on May 27, was abandoned shortly afterwards close to Dene Court, Jesmond Park East.

Police are appealing for information.

Sergeant Jason Ryder, of Northumbria Police Motor Patrols North, said: "We have specialist collision investigators carrying out enquiries into this collision and I'd urge the driver of the vehicle to come forward and contact us as soon as possible.

"This collision could have had very serious consequences and we are appealing for the public's help to identify the person responsible.

"We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the car being abandoned on Jesmond Park East.

"We would also like to hear from you if you saw the car any time between when it was stolen on Monday May 27 and the collision."

Anyone with information can call police on 101, extension 69191, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.