A driver failed to stop after hitting an eight-year-old girl in Wincheap on Monday.

The youngster was hit at around 5pm while walking in Ten Perch Road on the zebra crossing between Morrisons supermarket and its petrol station.

PC James Murrell said: “The eight-year-old girl was with her mother and had her push bike with her.

"There was heavy traffic queuing to get in and out of the petrol station and as the girl stepped out onto the zebra crossing from behind a stationary vehicle she was hit by a car.”

The girl, who suffered bruising and swelling to her left leg, was taken to Kent and Canterbury Hospital to be checked over.

PC Murrell added: “The car that hit her was black, possibly a Ford and possibly an 04 registration plate.

"The male driver is described as being of a large build, aged between 45 and 50, possibly had a white or grey beard and was wearing a white or grey top. There was no-one else in the car.”

Anyone who saw the incident or recognises the description of the driver is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously quoting reference number KP-20111017-1008.