Police are today questioning a man after a schoolboy was injured in a hit-and-run on Sheppey.

Ethan Baber was on his way to get a bus when he was struck by a car, thought to be a silver Rover 75, leaving the forecourt at Queenborough Corner garage.

The 12-year-old, of Stanley Avenue, Queenborough, was left battered and badly bruised in the incident yesterday.

Now police have confirmed officers are questioning a man who has come forward.

Yesterday, Ethan's parents appealed for witnesses after Kent Police patrols were unable to find the vehicle in a search of the area.

Ethan, who has six siblings, was with friends when he was hit at about 7.30am.

He picked himself up before getting on the bus to Sittingbourne Community College.

"I'm relieved he's walking, but it's the anger that anybody could be so callous to hit a child and drive off without even informing anyone..." - father Scott Baber

But the youngster was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham, after teachers were alerted to what had happened and called paramedics.

His father Scott Baber was at work at Ontime Logistics, in Queenborough, when he got a call from the school and rushed over there.

He said: "It's the shock of it – you expect the worse."

Mr Baber explained that to reach the bus stop, on Queenborough Road next to the garage, his son had to cross the exit of the forecourt. As he was walking past, he said, there was a car waiting to come out.

"He was right in front of it and it pulled out and hit him," Mr Baber said.

"It hit his right side and took his legs out from under him. He went over the bonnet and hit his head on the floor beside the car.

"He got on the bus to school because he didn't want to get in trouble for not going."

Mr Baber, 39, said the male driver looked at his son and he thinks he said something, but is not sure what, before driving off.

Ethan suffered concussion, severe bruising and badly cut lips. An x-ray showed he did not have a fractured cheek as first feared.

"I'm relieved he's walking, but it's the anger that anybody could be so callous to hit a child and drive off without even informing anyone," Mr Baber added.

"I couldn't knock someone over and drive away and leave them. If anyone saw anything and can help please contact the police."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone PC Philip Dring on 01795 419389, quoting incident reference 21-0202, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.