The family of a five-year-old boy who suffered a broken leg in a hit and run accident have appealed for witnesses.

Little Prince Mukendi was hit by a green Ford Galaxy in Hanameel Street in Silvertown around 6.30pm on Thursday evening where he had been playing.

The car, which failed to stop, was abandoned 550 yards away from the scene of the collision in Silvertown Way. Two suspects, described as wearing black balaclavas, were seen running from the car.

Prince was taken by the London Ambulance Service to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel where he underwent a lengthy operation on his broken leg.

His mother, Lydia Ekule, and his aunt Wivine Moleka, said the family had been shocked at the accident. Both appealed for witnesses to come forward and contact the police with any information.

They described Prince, who is a pupil at Britannia Village Primary school, as a lively boy who is popular with his classmates.

Lydia, who was at her son’s bedside on Monday morning, said he was now feeling better. He told one of his sisters that he wants to go home.

Lydia, who has seven children, said doctors has inserted a metal plate in his right leg which would remain for about five months before he has to have another procedure.

She said she had prayed to God for her son’s safety when she first heard about the accident.

Police revealed that the car used in the collision had been stolen on March 18 from Haydon Road in Dagenham between 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 strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Newham Violent Crime Unit on (020) 7275 5855 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.