POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a suspected hit-and-run which left a cyclist badly injured by a roadside.

Anthony Heels, 20, suffered a broken collarbone and cuts and bruises when he was knocked off his bike in Newton Aycliffe last weekend.

Mr Heels had cycled from his home in Gudmunsen Avenue, Bishop Auckland, to visit his girlfriend Jenny Roach, in Newton Aycliffe.

As he travelled along Williamfield Way, only five minutes from her house, it is thought a car clipped the wheel of his mountain bike and he was thrown on to the verge.

The only recollection he has of the incident is that a couple passing the scene stopped to help him and called for an ambulance.

Mr Heels, who was concussed, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries, which included grazes on his face and right arm.

He said: "I didn't even realise I had been hit. I just remember being picked up off the ground and taken to hospital. It makes me really angry that the driver didn't stop, even to check that I was okay.

"Because of my broken collarbone and injuries down my right side I have had to put off starting Bishop Auckland College to train to become a mechanic.

"I cycle loads and was due to start playing Sunday morning football for a local pub team but it is really frustrating not to be able to do so."

Mr Heels, said finding the driver would help him to feel safe again on the roads.

"I have been riding that route twice a day for about a year to see Jenny and it is getting quite dangerous.

"I'd feel a lot better if the driver was found."

PC Waheed Mughal, of Spennymoor police, said: "We would welcome any information on this incident.

"The victim is badly hurt and matters like this need to be resolved."

Anyone who witnessed the incident at about 6.50pm on Saturday, in Williamfield Way at the junction with Silverdale Place, is asked to contact the police on (01325) 314401.