POLICE want to trace two men who were seen running away after a Waterside schoolboy was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident.

Ryan Liddon, 15, is critically ill after being struck by a car which went out of control on Fawley Road, Hythe, and overturned.

Ryan suffered serious head injuries in the accident and was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where his condition is described as critical but stable.

Parents Anthony and Angela Liddon, of Larkspur Gardens, Holbury, are keeping a vigil at his hospital bedside.

The accident happened at the bottom of Butts Bridge Hill on Sunday at 5.25pm.

A police spokesman said: "A silver-coloured Proton car travelling from the Hardley direction lost control and overturned before striking the teenage pedestrian.

"Police are appealing for help from the public in tracing the occupants of the car."

One of the men is described as white, aged 18 to 19, 6ft, slim, with short blond hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

The other man was slightly shorter, with thick dark eyebrows. He was wearing a light-coloured baseball cap with a long-sleeved top and black bottoms, and a distinctive necklace outside his top.

The spokesman added: "Officers are also keen to hear from a man who was seen walking towards the scene of the crash as the men ran past.

"He is believed to have dark hair and was wearing a dark green top."

Anyone with information should contact Operation Lexington at the Eastleigh Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 4545.