A TEENAGE cyclist is out of critical condition after being hit by a car in Smithills yesterday.

The youngster was riding his bike near a roundabout connecting Church Road with Captains Clough Road when he was hit by a grey Ford Galaxy.

Police have confirmed that the boy's condition has improved, although he is still in hospital with serious injuries.

Officers were called at around 4.50pm and have confirmed that the driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene.

They were accompanied by paramedics, including two air ambulances, and the boy was taken to hospital.

Greater Manchester Police have appealed for help from anyone who may have seen the incident.

Sergeant Danny Byrne of GMP’s serious collision investigation unit said: "A young boy is now fighting for his life and my thoughts go out to his family this evening.

"We need to hear from people who saw the collision, or that have dashcam footage of the incident unfolding, so we can piece together how this teenager was injured."

The boy has been described as between 14 and 16 years old and North West Ambulance Services have confirmed that he was rushed to hospital.

A spokesman said: “We were called at 3.41pm. The heli-med did attend, though the teenager was conveyed to the Royal Bolton Hospital by land ambulance.

“His injuries include lacerations to the forehead and grazing to the elbow and knee.”

Church Road has been closed after the roundabout since the incident occurred.

A number of residents in the area have raised road safety concerns about people driving on the street.

One person said the speeds cars travel down Church Road are "astronomical", although it is unknown whether the driver in this incident was speeding.

Another added: "People often speed around here and it can be absolutely frightening. We regularly see people going at 50,60 or 70 miles an hour.

"This roundabout is really bad for it."

As many as 10 police cars attended the scene and people nearby described their shock as air ambulances began to fly in and land.

One elderly resident said she was unaware of the incident until she saw the helicopters.

She said: "I was in the kitchen and suddenly I heard a loud noise and saw two helicopters. They landed and people got out and ran up the road."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact the police investigation team on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 1514 of 09/05.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.