Witnesses sought after boy hurt in hit-and-run

Wayne Walker was with friends in his home town of Crook, County Durham, when he was struck by a dark-coloured car, which then drove off.

The teenager was crossing Commercial Street on Friday night to reach friends in a pizza shop when the car hit his legs, throwing him to the ground.

The bump to the head was so hard that the teenager fractured his skull and suffered bruising to the brain.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, but was later transferred to Newcastle General Hospital where he was still being treated last night.

Throughout the weekend his mother, Alison, 42, of Collier Close, Crook, has kept vigil at Wayne's bedside as he slipped in and out of consciousness.

Last night, his condition was said to be stable and improving all of the time, although he is expected to be in hospital for some time.

His mother, a Citizens' Advice Bureau volunteer, appealed for witnesses to come forward and help police.

She said: "Whoever did this has no respect or concern for what they have done. They left my son for dead in that road."

Wayne is a promising young footballer who plays for Parkside Comprehensive School, and for Willington and Crook junior teams.

His sister, Stacey, 17, said: "It was a frightening time, for his friends who were with him and for Mam and me.

"It is a good job he was with friends - they were going to a disco at Crook Cricket Club - because they called for help.

"He keeps waking up, but is still unwell. We were worried when he had to go to Newcastle because of how seriously his head was hurt."

Yesterday, police arrested and questioned a man in connection with the incident. He was released on police bail.

Accident investigators are also reviewing security camera coverage of the area and are still keen to speak to anyone who saw the accident, shortly after 7pm on Friday.

Durham Police accident unit can be contacted on 0191-375 2159.