Thislittle boy was left for dead when a hit and run motorist knocked him down just yards from his home.

Six-year-old Thomas Norris was walking home with his sister Ellesse, 11, when he was hit by a moped in Wouldham High Street.

The rider abandoned his silver Piaggio scooter and ran from the scene, leaving his crash helmet and trainers behind.

Despite the efforts of neighbours who gave chase and a massive police search, the rider has not yet been tracked down.

Thomas’ mum Emma Tidy, of Nelson Road, Wouldham, said: “Whoever was on that moped doesn’t even know if Tom is dead or alive and probably doesn’t care."

The accident happened at 4.40pm last Wednesday.

Witnesses say a group of four youths had been messing about on mopeds in the road near Wouldham recreation ground where Thomas and Ellesse were playing.

They were crossing the road on their way home when Thomas was hit by one of the youths.

He was knocked unconscious, suffered cuts and bruises to his head, back and arm and the top of his ear was torn from his head.

Thomas was taken to Maidstone Hospital by air ambulance where doctors had to glue part of his ear back on.

Emma added: “Tom could have been killed or paralysed. I’m so angry. If the moped rider gets away with it, next time he could kill someone.

“I hope someone will come forward who knows the boy or recognises his bike. I keep looking at every youth on a moped and wondering if it’s him.”

Insp Dave Pate, from Tonbridge and Malling Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The rider of the scooter has not been traced and we believe the vehicle registration details are false.

“We are now following up on forensic evidence taken from the scene of the collision.”

- Anyone with information that could help police with their investigation should call 01732 379217.