The hunt is on for a hit-and-run driver who crashed into a 14-year-old girl who was thrown onto his car bonnet.

A silver Audi smashed into the schoolgirl in Canvey High Street on Friday night, leaving her strewn over the front of the car.

Fortunately, the girl only suffered minor injuries, including cuts and bruises, but police are now hunting for the driver, who failed to stop at the scene.

The crash happened just before 8pm at the junction of Mitchells Avenue and the High Street.

The driver, believed to be elderly, stopped initially after the crash before driving off towards the town centre.

The girl’s mum posted to Facebook appealing for any witnesses and thanking anyone who did stop to offer a helping hand.

She also thanked the police who visited her daughter in hospital to begin the investigation.

The post said: “My 14-year-old daughter was hit by a silver Audi at roughly 8pm on Friday outside KFC.

“The gentleman was believed to be elderly and she went over the bonnet.

“He stopped and then drove off towards the town way.

“The police are involved and we’re at hospital to check she’s okay, some people stopped to see if she was ok.

“Any information or witnesses would be great.”

Essex Police are now on the lookout for the silver Audi involved and are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with CCTV in the area to come forward.

And Castle Point councillor for Canvey West, Ray Howard, admitted he was saddened by the incident, but hoped Essex Police do their upmost to bring the suspect to justice.

He said: “I am very sad to hear that this horrible incident has occurred on Canvey.

“But I am delighted to hear the young girl was not seriously injured and will make a full recovery.

“I do hope that the police will do all they can to find the person who has committed this criminal act, and that they do all they can to bring him to justice through the judicial process.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating a collision between a teenage girl and a silver car at the junction of Mitchells Avenue and High Street, Canvey just before 8pm on Friday, December 8.

“The vehicle did not stop at the scene.

“Thankfully the girl was not seriously injured.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.”