A SCHOOLBOY was thrown 100 yards after his bike collided with a car in a hit-and-run crash.

The driver of the blue sports car involved in the crash did not stop at the scene, where the 12-year-old Canvey boy lay on the ground with severe head injuries, 100 yards away from his mangled bike.

Police, who are appealing for witnesses, say the youngster is still in a serious condition at Basildon Hospital following the accident, in Canvey Road, Canvey, at 7.20pm on Tuesday.

His parents are maintaining a vigil by his bedside.

Steve Tyler, an emergency medical technician with the ambulance service, was on scene within a few minutes of the crash.

He said: "The fire and police were on scene when we arrived, and the fire officers were doing an excellent job of giving aid to the patient.

"We think the boy had been thrown about 100 yards from the bike following the collision, and the bike itself was really mangled.

"I carried out a full assessment on the patient, who had suffered a serious head injury and, although there were no other obvious injuries, it was possible he suffered internal injuries."

A 24-year-old man from Canvey was later arrested for failing to stop and report the accident.

He was questioned at Southend police station and released on police bail until June 24 while inquiries continue.

The crash is the second serious accident involving a motorist and a cyclist on Canvey roads in recent weeks.

On March 8, Darren Peck, 17, was hurled 30ft into the air after he collided with a car as he pushed his bicycle across Link Road.

Anyone with information about the latest accident is asked to contact PC Mark Wade, of Rayleigh traffic police, on 0300 3334444.