Police are hunting a taxi driver who failed to stop after an accident which left a 12-year-old boy needing hospital treatment.

Christopher Rhodes required stitches to a leg wound and treatment for a wrist injury after he was struck by the car as he crossed Briggate in Shipley.

The driver, who was reported to be carrying a passenger, failed to stop after Christopher, not realising the extent of his injuries, picked himself up and walked away.

He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary the day after the accident for treatment.

Today his mum Sheila Rhodes, of Baildon, said her son was lucky to escape more serious injuries.

She said: "I cannot believe this man didn't stop and check that he (Christopher) was OK. He failed to stop and report an accident. I want his licence taking off him."

Kay Baker, who saw Christopher being hit by the taxi as she waited to cross Fox's Corner in Shipley, said: "I heard a screech, I saw the lad go on to the bonnet of the taxi, up in the air and on to the floor.

"The lad got up off the floor, the taxi driver was yelling and screaming and shouting, he didn't get out of his taxi."

Mrs Baker hurried to catch up with Christopher to ask if he needed help.

She said: "I was quite far away from them, it wasn't simply a task of crossing two roads. I managed to catch up with them both in the Subway. He looked up and his face was all swollen."

After Christopher, a pupil at Salts Grammar School, Baildon, refused an ambulance, Mrs Baker gave him her contact details in case the accident was reported to police.

She said she was shocked that neither the driver nor the customer got out of the taxi after the collision.

She said: "He never checked on that child."

A police spokesman said officers had contacted Bradford Council's taxi licensing department about the investigation and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "A 12-year-old boy was allegedly in collision with a Hackney Carriage which failed to stop. It is believed there was a passenger in the taxi at the time and we are appealing for this person to get in touch with us."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We have been asked to assist the police and we are helping them with their inquiries."

Witnesses to the accident which happened at lunchtime on Wednesday, August 9, should contact Keighley Road Traffic Police on (01535) 617047.

e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk