A SOUTHAMPTON youngster has been left with serious injuries after a suspected hit and run incident involving a van.

Weston Park Primary School student Mariah Mabey was riding her bike and enjoying time with her grandmother when a van allegedly mounted the pavement, ploughing into her and knocking her to the ground.

According to Mariah’s mother, Kerry, the driver failed to stop at the scene and the eight-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment.

Kerry says that Mariah is still receiving treatment for a broken arm, wrist and a deep cut to her leg that will leave a 20cm.

The incident happened on Saturday, May 25 at around 7pm on Bath Road in Bitterne Village.

She said: “My heart was breaking as she came out of the operating theatre. I started crying. I was angry that someone could do this to a child and not stop.

“Mariah has been really brave about the accident but she is still in a lot of pain and walks with a limp.

“She is in a cast which will have to stay on for another month so has had to take time off school. “

According to Hampshire police, officers have arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving. He has been released from custody but remains under investigation. Mariah’s grandmother, Michelle Wells, 49, suffered minor bruising during the incident but did not need medical treatment.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the reference number 44190180130.