A HIT-AND-RUN that has left a cyclist fighting for his life was an “horrific” collision which threw the victim “some distance from his bike, say detectives.

Police tonight issued a further appeal to the crash on Warrington Road, Bold Heath that happened this morning, Tuesday, February 18.

The victim, a 57-year-old man from Great Sankey, remains in a critical condition in hospital where he is receiving treatment for serious head injuries.

He was discovered stricken at the road side at about 6.30am, while his road racer style cycle had ended up lodged in a hedge.

The driver did not stop at the scene and despite numerous appeals he or she has still not come forwards.

It emerged tonight that detectives from St Helens CID, along with officers from the Matrix Serious Organised Crime Roads Policing Unit, are investigating the incident.

Detective Inspector Simon Draco, St Helens CID, said: "This was an horrific collision which has left the man in a critical condition.

"The force of the impact left him some distance away from his bicycle, which was found lodged in a nearby hedge.

"I strongly believe the driver of the vehicle involved can be in no doubt that they have collided with this cyclist.

“Despite that, the person responsible has seen fit to drive off and leave the victim laying in the road with serious injuries.

"The front of the vehicle must have suffered significant damage during the incident and I would appeal to anyone who has seen such a vehicle which could have been driven in the Bold Heath, Warrington or St Helens areas today, Tuesday February 18, to get in touch with us.

“I would also urge the driver to do the right thing and come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information can contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 6803, the Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.