Detectives in Newham are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run accident involving a four-year-old boy.

Police were called at around 6.30pm on Thursday to Hanameel Street, Silvertown, to reports of an accident involving a car and the youngster.

The boy had been playing in the street when a green Ford Galaxy people carrier hit him and failed to stop, said police.

The car was abandoned around 550 yards from the scene of the collision in Silvertown Way. Two suspects, described as wearing black balaclavas, were seen running from the car in an unknown direction.

London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance (HEMS) attended the scene.

The child suffered serious injuries and was taken by LAS to an hospital. His condition is described as serious but stable - injuries not believed to be life threatening. He is believed to have a broken thigh and broken leg.

Police revealed that the car used in the collision had been stolen on March 18 from Haydon Road, Dagenham between the hours of 8pm and midnight..

Investigating officer Det Con Ian Lamb said: “This incident concerns a very young child who was innocently playing in the street before being hit and seriously hurt by a stolen vehicle. I urge anyone with any information to come forward. All information will be treated with the strictness confidence.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call Newham Violent Crime Unit on (020) 7275 5855 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.