A SCHOOLBOY has described how he was left sprawled on the side of the road after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Ten-year-old Liam Kendell, who miraculously escaped serious injury, was treated in hospital for bruising to his right leg and a swollen foot. Police have mounted a search for the driver of the car, following the crash near Ladysmith Court, South Stanley, at 8.30pm on Sunday.

Recovering at his home in nearby Pentlands Terrace, Liam said: "I was cycling down Cookson Way on the left hand side of the road and was going around the bend towards Ladysmith Court when this car came from the opposite direction on my side of the road.

"I had no time to get out of its way. It all happened so quickly. He smacked into me. My leg caught the front grill of the car and I was thrown clear. He just rode off, leaving me lying on the grass on the side of the road. He never got out of car or anything. I was so shocked I couldn't remember the colour of the car. I did see that it was done up. It had spoilers on and special bumpers on the front at the back."

His mother Sharon McKie said: "I was upstairs decorating when my friend came running to tell me that Liam had been knocked down by a car. My legs just buckled underneath me. I ran down expecting the worst. Thankfully he was not badly hurt."

Mrs McKie added: "I don't know how anybody could knock down a kid and leave him on the side of the road. It is cowardice."

PC Liam Padget said: "He was very lucky not to have been more seriously hurt. I would appeal for anyone with information about the driver responsible to get in touch."

Anyone who can help the police should call 0845 6060365.