AN appeal has been launched after a teenage girl was struck in a hit-and-run incident in Bolton town centre yesterday, Monday.

Police were called to Deane Road near the University Technical College Bolton at around 3.45pm after reports a 14-year-old was hit by a white VW Golf with the registration plates GD67 UAB.

She was thrown in the air before landing in the middle of the road.

The girl suffered multiple injuries and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The driver did not stop at the scene and drove off before abandoning the car on Back Hawthorne Road where it was set on fire.

The car has been recovered by officers and is in the process of being forensically examined.

CCTV footage of the vehicle has been released by police.

Police Constable Antony Hannon, from GMP’s Road Policing Unit, said: “The footage of this incident is just far too shocking for us to release but we are hoping that by showing the car involved someone might recognise it.

“This happened in broad daylight on a busy street in the town centre and I believe there are people out there who might have seen this car driving around but have not yet contacted police.

“We have already had some information come through from the public and I want to thank everyone who has contacted us so far.

"However, I would urge anyone who has any information about the car or the driver to please get in touch immediately.

“In particular, I am keen to speak to the witness in the footage who tried to stop the car when it was driving off- you are not in any trouble and you could prove vital to this investigation.”

If you have any information about the incident contact the police on 0161 856 6176 quoting incident number 1,622 of May 7 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.