A CHILD has been hurt in a hit-and-run crash after a car struck an eight-year-old cyclist.

The boy was riding along Central Avenue, Canvey, at about 8.15pm last night when he was struck.

Fortunately the boy escaped with minor injuries.

Police are investigating.

His mother took to social media to praise members of the public who stopped to help and one man who tried to track down the culprit.

A BMW driver who witnessed the incident quickly gave chase after the offending driver, but failed to track him down.

It is understood the vehicle believed to be involved has been untaxed for two months and attempts are being made to reach the registered owner.

The distressed parent posted: “If anyone know who drives silver car, he’s knocked my son off his bike and drove off.

“Police have been called.

“Big thank you to the two ladies who took my son and helped him until I got there, and also big thank you to the man in a red BMW for chasing the man that’s knocked my son off his bike and getting his number plate, if anyone knows anything please get in contact.”

The crash comes just days after a child was rushed to hospital with head injuries after being hit by a car.

The nine-year-old was hit in Ferry Road, near Benfleet railway station and was taken to hospital with head injuries.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received reports of a collision involving a silver car and an eight-year-old boy in Canvey on Sunday evening.

“It was reported that the boy was cycling along Central Avenue around 8.15pm when the car hit him on the back of the legs.

“The car did not stop and it was reported that the boy had minor injuries.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision are asked to contact the Canvey local policing team on 101, quoting incident 1338 of 21 April.

“Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/”