A young boy is battling for his life in hospital after being mowed down by a car in a horrific hit-and-run.

The five year old was on Belfield Road in Accrington at 5.44pm on Friday (August 29) when he was struck by a white Toyota Prius. The motorist then fled the scene.

The youngster sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital where he remains. Two men, both 20, were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

Lancashire Police said in a statement: "We are appealing for witnesses and footage after a child pedestrian was left with serious injuries following a road traffic collision on ­­­­­­­­­Belfield Road, Accrington.

"Our officers were called to ­­­­­­­­­Belfield Road at 5:44pm on Friday 29th August following reports a child had been involved in a collision with a white Toyota Prius.", reports Lancs Live.

"The child, a five year old boy, was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remains at this time. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.

"The driver of the Prius failed to stop following the collision, and as part of our enquiries we have made two arrests.

"Two 20-year-old men from Accrington have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. They currently remain in custody whilst enquires are being conducted.

"If you witnessed this collision, have any information, or any CCTV/dashcam footage that could assist us in our enquiries, please contact us on 101 quoting log 1144 of 29th August or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk".