Police today are continuing to hunt a hit and run driver after a nine-year-old girl was injured when she was knocked off her bicycle.

A councillor has expressed her shock over the incident – as police urged the driver and witnesses to come forward.

The incident happened during the afternoon in Bryants Lane, Wyke Regis, Weymouth.

Police said a nine-year-old local girl was cycling when she was struck by a white car, causing her to fall from her bicycle.

The girl was tended to by members of the public who were in the area at the time. She sustained an injury to her right arm and wrist.

The driver of the car did initially stop at the scene but left before officers arrived and failed to leave his details.

He is described as white, aged around 20 years old, with blond to brown hair flipped to the side.

Dorset Police released details of the incident yesterday – it happened at about 3.30pm on Thursday, June 27.

Wyke councillor Kate Wheller said: "I am saddened to hear of this accident though not surprised. My very best wishes go to the child and the family for a speedy recovery.

"Bryants Lane used to be an unmade track where pedestrians always took precedence – now cars race up and down with little care.

"I have made so many requests to the highways department for 'slow' signs and speed limits but since they can’t be enforced they are reluctant to impose restrictions. We must just plead with drivers to be more considerate on all our roads in built up areas."

PC Katherine Rupp, of Weymouth police, said: “I have already carried out a number of enquiries to identify the driver involved in this collision but these have so far been unsuccessful. I would urge the driver to please contact Dorset Police so we can establish exactly what happened.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this collision and has not yet spoken to officers. If you have information that may assist my investigation, please contact me.”

Anyone with any information should contact Dorset Police on 101 and quote occurrence number 55190097816, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org

Police continue to investigate another hit and run in Weymouth, a separate incident in which a woman in her 50s suffered a head injury.

This incident took place on Commercial Road on Monday, July 8 at about 5.30pm. The occurrence number is 55190097760.