The number of hit-and-run incidents is rocketing, according to latest figures.

Figures released to MPs reveal the number of injuries resulting from vehicle collisions in Sussex in which the driver sped off increased by 40 per cent from 497 in 1997 to 692 in 2004.

Sixty-six people were left seriously injured from hit-and-runs in 2004 - 30 more than in 1997. In total 26 people were killed in hit-and-runs during the eight years covered by the latest figures.

They include nine-year-old Callum Oakford, known as CJ, who was killed in January 2004, when Kamel Kadri ploughed into him as he crossed the A259 at Ferring.

Algerian-born Kadri, who was driving his Renault 5 with no insurance, tax or MoT, fled but was later jailed for motoring offences and having a fake passport.

Kadri was arrested in Worthing shortly after the crash and was jailed for 22 months but his sentence was later reduced on a technicality.

CJ's family launched a campaign calling for a change in motoring laws so drivers convicted of hit-and-run offences would be more severely punished.

His mother Lynn Oakford and her children collected 40,000 signatures for a petition backing the changes before delivering it to 10 Downing Street.

In November, 2004, the parents of an 18-year-old hit-and-run victim spoke of their outrage at the driver's "joke" 22-month prison sentence.

Christopher Rolfe, 44, of Pevensey Road, St Leonards, failed to stop after hitting Gary Finch in Lower Park Road, Hastings. Later he torched the car with the help of accomplice Adam Beeney, 26.

The latest disclosures on hit-and-run incidents prompted Tory demands for tougher penalties for motorists who failed to stop after an accident.

Shadow transport secretary Chris Grayling said: "The Government needs to look at tougher penalties so we can stamp out this appalling behaviour. Much more needs to be done to tackle the rogue elements on our roads."