A CYCLIST was knocked into the air and left with terrible facial injuries in a hit and run.

David Tait, 49, was cycling back to his flat with a friend, when he was struck by a car, believed to be a silver VW Golf.

Mr Tait, of York Road, Southend, has no recollection of the crash, which left him unconscious with a broken nose, lost teeth and bruising to his leg and covered in blood.

His friend, Clifford Astphall, 51, also of York Road, witnessed the whole thing.

He said: “Dave is lucky to be alive. The car hit him in the side and bashed his leg.

“He was scooped up. I saw him go up over the bonnet. He landed down on the ground on the other side of the road.

“I was so shocked the car drove away.”

An off-duty paramedic gave first aid to Mr Tait and rang for an ambulance and the police.

He spent a night recovering in hospital and faces more treatment to correct the break to his nose.

Mr Tait said: “I think the driver was up to no good, or why else wouldn’t he stop?”

The crash happened in Quebec Avenue, Southend, at about 7pm on Friday.

A police spokesman said: “Officers arrived and found a cyclist with a head injury. He had been struck by a vehicle which failed to stop.

“Anyone with information should contact investigating officers at Southend on 101.”