A HIT-and-run driver who left a 22-year-old man for dead is being hunted by police.

The victim was discovered lying unconscious in St Helens Road, Daubhill, by a police patrol car at 12.15am on Good Friday.

It is believed he was hit by dark coloured, medium sized saloon car which was travelling in the direction of Bolton when the accident happened near to the junction with Morris Green Lane.

Witnesses have reported seeing the car driving off with a broken windscreen and damage to the bumper.

The victim was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital to be treated for head injuries but his condition is not thought to be life threatening.

Police today appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Sgt Stephen Foster, of the road policing unit based at Leigh, said: "This was a very serious incident in which a young man could have died and we are very anxious to trace whoever was driving this car.

"Although it was a quiet time of night, St Helens Road is a well populated area and we believe someone may have seen the vehicle.

"We believe the car had a cracked or smashed windscreen and some minor damage to the front bumper and we would urge anybody with any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible."