THE mother of a 15-year-old Bournemouth schoolboy is appealing for a Good Samaritan who helped her son after he was knocked over in a hit-and-run accident to come forward.

The youngster, who did not wish to be named, from Charminster was struck as he cycled past the junction of Madison Avenue and Holdenhurst Road in Springbourne at 1pm on Friday, December 17.

The Portchester School pupil was kept in hospital for four days, after a scan showed he had suffered a fractured sternum and internal bruising.

His mother told the Echo: "I would like very much to speak to the man who helped my son, because he picked him up from the floor.

"I don't think my son had time to get his name because he was more concerned with getting on his way. The police think the man may be able to help."

Remembering the state her son was in after the accident, she said: "He came home with chest pains after playing football but he hadn't complained all day because he didn't want to worry anyone. So we took him to Royal Bournemouth Hospital before he was transferred to Poole Hospital.

"I'm very sad that someone could do this after being aware that the child was hurt."

PC Sam Huckle of Boscombe Police said: "The cyclist stopped to give way to a motor car - a dark green Peugeot. The car driver signalled for the cyclist to cross and as he crossed, he was struck by the car before it drove off. The car driver was a middle aged man with a grey beard."

He added: "There is never any excuse for any driver involved in a collision not to stop, particularly a collision in which someone is injured.

If anyone has any information please call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

First published: December 22