POLICE are hunting a driver who left an elderly pedestrian for dead after a hit-and-run accident in Bolton last night. Kenneth Bell, aged 62, was carried on the bonnet and roof of the car before being catapulted into the road.

The driver then raced away from the scene.

Other passing motorists and pedestrians stopped to help Mr Bell until ambulance paramedics arrived.

Today, as a large police hunt was underway for the hit-and-run driver, Mr Bell was critically ill in the intensive care unit of Bolton Royal Infirmary with head, chest and arm injuries.

The incident happened at 9.05pm as Mr Bell, of Belmont Road, Bolton, crossed Blackburn Road, only yards from his home.

A police spokesman said Mr Bell had reached the middle of the road when he was struck by the front offside wing of a passing car. He was tossed on to the bonnet and carried on the car roof before falling into the opposite carriageway of Blackburn Road.

The driver sped off towards Bolton.

The white saloon car may have had a private hire plate.

Police are urging the driver, and witnesses, to contact Bolton Police traffic unit, tel: 0161 872 5050.

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