THE mother of a young man who was mown down in an alleged hit-and-run in the early hours of Tuesday says she believes her son is “lucky to be alive”.

Owen Williams, 23, was struck close to the Sunbeam Hotel on Old Wargrave Road in Newton-le-Willows just before 4am.

Police say the car, a dark blue Vauxhall Astra with a white roof, failed to stop and was seen heading towards Newton.

A passer-by stopped and rang for an ambulance. The police were also alerted.

Owen, from Newton-le-Willows, was conscious and taken to hospital where he was later able to speak to officers.

He suffered head injuries, broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder and damage to his liver and lungs.

“He is very lucky that he has not lost his life,” said Owen’s mum Linda, 52.

“It is very upsetting and and it’s not very nice to be told.

“One of my sons saw on Facebook that he wasn’t in a good way.

“I had to start ringing round the hospitals and eventually found out where he was around 10.30am on Tuesday that he was in Aintree.

“He was outside the Sunbeam when it happened as he has a friend that owns it.

“We are told he will not be out before the weekend.

“Owen works as a commercial development manager and was due to start a new job on Monday and we have had to contact them.”

Linda added: “I’m so pleased he was conscious and although he is quite sore at least he is talking.”

Investigators carried out an examination of the scene and police are hunting the driver.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.