A father whose teenage son was left for dead after being knocked off his bicycle in a hit-and-run accident has issued a heartrending appeal to track down those responsible.
Harvey Aitken, 16, was cycling in Tyseley in Birmingham when he was involved in the collision, leaving him with a bleed on the brain.
He spent three weeks in hospital as a result of the serious injuries he sustained and has since struggled with speech impediment and memory loss.
Doctors have warned he could take up to two years to recover fully.
Dad Andrew Aitken has launched a public appeal for information, saying the incident has had a “profound impact” on his son’s life.
West Midlands Police are investigating, with officers keen to identify two cars involved in the incident.
Cops believe one car hit the teenager at 11.35pm on July 9 in Wharfdale Road, before a second car stopped and flashed its headlights.
Officers are appealing for information regarding the driver of the second car, a Ford Focus, as they think they will be able to explain what happened.
Mr Aitken said: “Harvey has suffered a severe brain trauma as a result of this hit-and-run and we have been told it will take up to two years for him to fully recover.
“When I received the phone call at 3am that morning my heart sank, it is every parent’s worst nightmare.
“The whole family has been impacted by this incident, including Harvey’s five siblings who were distressed to hear what had happened to their brother.
“We as his parents feared for his life and it has been such a battle for the family unit as a whole.
“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything that night to please contact the police because the person responsible needs to be brought to justice.
“They left our 16-year-old son lying in the road for dead. Thankfully Harvey is a strong lad and a survivor. But this incident has had a profound impact on his life.”
Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police By calling 101, and quote log 4494 of July 9.