A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was left fighting for his life after being hit by a car on Saturday night.

The boy, named as Reuben Hayat, had to be rescued from underneath the blue Toyota Aygo after the crash, which happened at 11pm in Bolton Road, Radcliffe, near his home in Keats Crescent.

After suffering what emergency services described as "life-threatening" injuries, he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for emergency surgery and is now said to be in a serious but improving condition.

A spokesman for Tottington High School, where Reuben is a pupil, said: "We wish Reuben well is his recovery and our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Fire crews from Whitefield and Farnworth were called to the scene to help move the car, which collided with the boy as he was crossing the road.

Luckily, an off-duty paramedic was passing by and was able to offer assistance at the scene.

Watch manager Tim Eaton, from Whitefield station, said: “Another person had jacked the car up before we arrived so we were able to make sure that the vehicle was safe before the child was moved from underneath.

“An off-duty paramedic was luckily driving home when the incident happened so he was able to help too.

“There were a lot of passers-by and motorists who stopped to help, although we weren’t aware of any family members close by.”

Messages of support have also been left on Facebook, where Stacey Basnett wrote: "Speedy recovery, thinking of the family who are suffering. My family went through this when I was 15 and it was the same place. Something needs sorting on that road. Hope you come out fighting lad."

Jean Weaver commented: "He's a friend of my son's and stays at my house some weekends. He is a beautiful boy and am happy to see him every time he stays and VERY happy my son has a friend like him. I am devastated, please God let him be okay."

A resident of Bolton Road, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There was such a heavy police, fire and ambulance presence, I had never seen the road like it before.

"They were here for hours and the road was completely closed off.

"I didn't know what had happened so I tried to have a look but had to walk all the way round to the other end to get a glimpse.

"I still couldn't see anything but I heard that the poor boy had been knocked down. I hope he makes a full recovery."

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, but police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Mark Thomas of the GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) said: “This was a very serious collision. Although the collision happened quite late at night, Bolton Road is a very busy main road so it is possible there may have been other vehicles around at that time or other pedestrians who witnessed the incident.

“We are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed the collision to please contact the SCIU on 0161 856 4741."