An 11-year-old girl was the victim of a hit and run in Bolton which left her needing surgery.

Layla Shepherd was travelling across Wigan Road in Deane at around 6.50pm on Saturday when she was struck by a red Audi.

The car in question is said to have sped off but witnesses went to assist the young girl.

She shouted out her address, which was nearby. and her stepmother was informed about what had happened.

The girl was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

She had suffered a fractured cheekbone, a broken nose and she needed surgery on her leg as the skin above her knee had been badly damaged by the impact.

Images released by the girl's mother show the damage done to her face by the collision, in which she also suffered a fractured eye socket.

The force of the crash caused the registration plate of the vehicle to fall off at the scene.

Becky Mather, the stepmother of the girl in question, expressed her horror at what happened.

The 26-year-old student said: “When I found out I felt numb.

“The driver drove off, I think that is what is more frustrating.

“She was on her bike on the way back from a friend’s. The car has taken off and left her. The registration plate fell off the car.”

She said the girl has no memory of the collision, which happened when the road was still fairly busy.

Becky added: “I am just grateful that Layla is still here.”

The schoolgirl underwent surgery on her leg on Sunday and is awaiting treatment for the impact on her face.

A police spokesman confirmed officers had located the driver in question.

They said: “Officers were called at around 6.50pm on Saturday to a report that a cyclist had been hit by a car on Wigan Road in Bolton.

“Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old girl was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

“Following the collision, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and was later located by officers.

“Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.”