A JOYRIDER on a moped smashed into a nine-year-old boy and left him for dead in a hit-and-run.

The child suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital after the crash in Whitehawk Road, Brighton, on Sunday.

Shocking CCTV footage shows the boy riding a scooter when a moped carrying two teenagers ploughs into him and knocks him several feet down the road towards a parked car.

It appears the driver does not even slow down after the accident.

The boy was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious head injuries at about 12.15pm.

The rider of the moped, who had a passenger and was travelling south, failed to stop at the scene.

Read more: Teenager killed on railway track at Burgess Hill

The vehicle, which is believed to be stolen, is described as silver and black or dark red, and is suspected to have some damage as a result of the impact.

A police spokesman said: "Police are continuing to carry out covert and overt operations in Brighton and Hove, targeting known motorcycle thieves, and in recent weeks have made a number of arrests.

"This is as a result of listening to concerns in the community."

Anyone with any information about the collision is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 502 of 16/09.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • This story previously said the boy had been discharged from hospital, as per the official statement from Sussex Police. However, his family have since said this is not correct.