A NORTH EAST police force has moved to clarify the rules of the road after a Darlington boy was hit by a car and the driver reportedly failed to report the incident.

Peter Green, who is father to 12-year-old Cole, hit out as he admitted the actions of his child were wrong but that those involved did not let the authorities know.

The alleged incident happened at around 4.10pm on Tuesday, May 17 on the road near St Andrew's Church in Haughton in Darlington.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Green said: “I’m not saying my boy is innocent. Kids can be stupid, and he should’ve looked first.

"Even so, I think those in the car shouldn’t have just taken his word for it that he was okay."

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The Northern Echo: Picture: GOOGLEPicture: GOOGLE

Revealing the details of what he had been told, Mr Green said: "He’d just come out of his basketball club and walked through the alley by Haughton Church and he stepped out onto the road and then got hit by the car and it hit him on his right-hand side and he then went over the bonnet and landed on his knees and he jumped back up.

"The driver asked if he was alright. He (Cole) gave him the thumbs up and then he just drove off.

“That’s what frustrates me. I know kids are stupid but as a driver, if I hit a kid, even if they said they were fine, I wouldn’t just drive off.

“I spoke to 101 and they said to log it as an incident on the website which seemed a bit pointless.

“I’ve already lost one kid. I don’t want to lose another one.”

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The Northern Echo: A 12-year-old was hit by a car in Darlington last Tuesday (May 17), and the driver did not stop. Picture: PETER GREEN A 12-year-old was hit by a car in Darlington last Tuesday (May 17), and the driver did not stop. Picture: PETER GREEN

Cole was not seriously hurt and attended school the following day, however, Mr Green says that regardless, the drivers should have reported the incident.

A spokesperson from Durham Police confirmed that the incident was not reported but said: “If involved in a road traffic collision, stop at the scene, it is a legal requirement to stop as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Switch off your engine, switch on your hazard lights, check for any injuries to yourself and any passengers.

“Exchange details with anyone involved, name, address, car registration number, provide your insurance details if requested, If you're having trouble getting these details from someone involved or they have left without giving details, call the police on 101 while you're still at the scene of the collision.”

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