A STUDENT who was seriously injured in an alleged hit-and-run incident has spoken of his anger at the driver.

David Duce, 21, has had four operations to repair his shattered left ankle after he was hit while with friends after a night out.

The student, who is doing a masters degree in history, was crossing the Old Steine at the junction with St James's Street, Brighton at about 2.45am on Thursday, January 28.

He said: "The road seemed empty so I walked across. I heard a screech of tires and the car hit me on the left hand side.

"My friend said to me afterwards that the driver was either on something or getting away from something: he must have been about 40 miles an hour.

"I managed to get myself over to the side. Then I think I went into shock."

He was taken to hospital in Brighton by ambulance and then to a specialist unit in East Grinstead, where he has been since.

David, of Buller Road, Brighton, said he hopes to make it out of hospital on crutches soon as not to miss too much more his first term at the University of Sussex.

The guitarist has already had to cancel planned gigs with his band, The Levity.

He added: "I think what makes me really angry is that the driver did not stop.

"How can they do that? They must have known they made contact with me. I do feel angry they did not stop. How can you look at yourself in the mirror?

"Doctors are saying that what I have got going for me is that I am young, but they don't know how much strength I am going to get back in my foot."

David's parents, Richard and Lesley, from Kent, are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Mrs Duce said: "I know David is a grown man now but he is still my child and to see him in so much pain before he had reconstructive surgery was deeply distressing.

"I hope police catch whoever was responsible for this and they are living in daily fear of being arrested."

Police are investigating. Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 101 of January 28.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.