An eight-year-old boy was left needing stitches after being struck by a man on a bike.

Little Harry Amber was on the pavement in Market Street, Margate, at about 4.30pm on Friday when he was hit by a cyclist.

The man then rode off, but not before swearing at the youngster, who was with his dad and sister at the time.

Harry was taken to QEQM Hospital before being transferred to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital, where he was put under anaesthetic to have stitches on Saturday morning.

Mum Lucy Hughes is now appealing for CCTV footage from nearby shops or information from passerbys.

The 30-year-old added: "The man should not have been on the pavement to begin with, but we understand accidents happen.

"He hit Harry, went over his handlebars and then got up.

"But he then shouted verbal abuse at my son for being in his way on the path before riding off."

Harry will need a mouth X-ray in two weeks time, once the swelling has gone down.

Miss Hughes added: "The hospital staff at both QEQM and Ashford have been amazing, and it has been lovely to read all the messages on Facebook.

"Harry is a very happy, fit lad - he was a a bit shaken up but he's doing well.

"He is a bit shy about going back to school tomorrow but the school have been great with making arrangements for him.

"He's gutted to be missing out on football for a few weeks, but he has a loving, caring family around him."

The incident has been reported to police.

A spokesman said: "Officers are making enquiries into a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a cyclist.

"Police were made aware at around 5.20pm on Friday, February 1 that a collision had taken place earlier in the afternoon in Margate High Street, near Market Street.
"It was reported the pedestrian, a boy, sustained injuries which required hospital treatment."

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting 01-1152.