Police search for driver after hit-and-run

Palmerston North police are searching for a driver with a damaged vehicle after a hit-and-run this morning.

Constable Darren Brothwell said a 10-year-old boy was knocked from his bike at 9am on SH3/Rangitikei Line between Newbury and Awahuri.

The child was collecting his family's mail from their letter box on the opposite side of the road from his home.

"As he has gone to cross back over the road he was struck down by a car that was heading into the city while it was passing another at the start of the passing lanes before Newbury."

The vehicle did not stop and is believed to have carried on to Palmerston North, Mr Brothwell said.

Police are looking for a metallic black Mitsubishi Diamante four-door saloon. The vehicle is a late model Japanese import. It will be missing its passenger side door mirror and have damage to its left side, Mr Brothwell said.

- NZPA