A YOUNG man is recovering in hospital after being hit by a stolen car.

The J-registration Ford Escort was being driven across a former pit site in the Concord area of Washington, Tyne and Wear, when it knocked down a 23-year-old local man. He has not been named.

The car was found abandoned nearby and the victim was taken to hospital suffering from serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Two men were later arrested and released on police bail.

A nightclub, Stevie Wise, in Spout Lane, Concord, is near where the incident happened and police are appealing for any witnesses.

Anyone who saw the incident at 11pm last Friday is asked to contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555.