POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an alleged hit and run incident in Newport left a man in hospital with serious injuries.

Police say that they believed red car failed to stop after mounting the kerb in Trafalgar Road shortly after 12.30 this morning (Sunday) and coming into contact with a 41-year-old local man from Newport .

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokeswoman said: “The man sustained serious injuries, suffering serious head and chest injuries and factures to his legs. The man was conveyed by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport.”

The spokeswoman went on to say that the Island’s roads poling are investigating the incident and have called in the Road Crash investigation team from Winchester to help with the investigation.

Police have cordoned off a section of road between the West View and Nelson Road turn-offs, along Trafalgar Road. this remains in place whilst police investigate.

A Neighbour who spoke exclusively to The Gazette said: “It’s disgusting, when you think, in this day and age, people can do this sort of thing.

“They could have left somebody to die.

“I hope people will come forward and say if they have seen the incident, because after all, it could be a member of their family next.

“It could be anybody’s relative.

“I hope people will come forward and support the police.

“If they have done it once, could they do it again?

“My thoughts are with the man and his family. I hope that he recovers from his injuries.”

Inspector Al Peacock from the Roads Policing Unit said: “We want to hear from anyone with information about this crime. It’s also likely that the vehicle would have damage so if anyone knows of a vehicle with very recent damage on the Island we need to hear from them too.

“We have some leads we are following up at the moment and are currently in the process of checking every vehicle on the Isle of Wight which fits the description, we believe, of the car involved.

“I would urge whoever is responsible for this accident to come forward and get in contact with us first before we come to you so you can explain what happened.”

“Anyone who witnessed the collision are asked to contact Hampshire police station on 101. Quoting operation Tricot