A community has reacted with shock after a teenage moped rider was left lying injured in a road following a hit-and-run crash in Weymouth.

In a callous act – which one councillor described as 'horrific' – the driver responsible who is now being hunted by police knocked the 17-year-old rider off her moped before reversing around her then speeding off.

The rider was left with cuts, bruises and concussion following the collision with the green 4x4 Mitsubishi Shogun.

According to police, the rider was in Queen Street travelling towards King Street when she was hit by the 4x4, near the junction with Stanley Street. The vehicle headed into Stanley Street, before turning right into Crescent Street.

Members of the community were quick to condemn the driver's actions and are backing the police appeal.

Cllr Tia Roos, who represents Melcombe Regis, described the incident as "horrific".
"Leaving the girl and driving off makes this incident particularly terrible", she said.
"It's lucky her injuries weren't life-threatening – I hope she isn't put off from getting back on her moped.

"You're particularly vulnerable when you're on two wheels, and with more and more traffic on our streets, drivers need to be much more considerate.

"If you know anything – even if it seems insignificant – please contact the police and make sure this driver doesn't get away with it."

Cllr Jon Orrell, county councillor and a local GP, said he was "shocked" and hopes the the moped rider recovers fully.

"As a fellow two wheeled traveller I can sympathise", he added.
“Traffic is a problem everywhere – not just Crescent Street.

“If anyone saw the incident or can give information then please contact the police."
Dave Burchill, resident and member of the Waterside Community Forum, described traffic in the area as a “nightmare” and said near-misses happen regularly – but that it was the first time he’d heard of a hit-and-run.

“It’s terrible – I would say whoever did this must’ve panicked – it’s not the norm", he said.

“I just hope they catch who did it.

"If you know who did it, don’t let them get away with it.”

A resident of Crescent Street, who asked not to be named, said drivers regularly use the road as a cut-through into King Street to avoid the one way system.

"For somebody not to stop is horrific", they added.

PC Don Duchscherer, of Weymouth Police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Queen Street area at 4pm on Tuesday January 29, and either witnessed the collision or saw a 4x4 being driven in the area to please contact me.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who has seen a green Mitsubishi Shogun or similar that has recently sustained damage in unusual circumstances.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55190015242.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.