A 33-year-old cyclist was fighting for his life today after he was catapulted from his bike after being hit by a car in Bolton.

Andrew Stuchbury, of Hartley Street, Horwich, was struck from behind on Chorley New Road by a blue Ford Fiesta which failed to stop.

Mr Stuchbury, who has severe head, pelvic and leg injuries, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was in intensive care today.

Doctors from a nearby surgery at Kildonan house, raced to the scene and carried out first aid before paramedics arrived.

It is believed Mr Stuchbury was travelling home from Chamberlain Doors, Blackrod, where he works in the warehouse, when the accident happened. Neighbours rushed out when they heard a loud crash where they found Mr Stuchbury unconscious.

His wife was contacted at work and was taken to the accident scene by a next door neighbour. She is now keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital.

Mr Stuchbury who has a four-year-old son, is described by neighbours as a friendly man. He is a a keen footballer and plays for a local five-a-side team.

The Fiesta was found a short time later at the Beehive Roundabout at the junction of Chorley New Road and Mansell Way.

A man in the passenger seat of the car was taken to Withington Hospital with a severe arm injury which required surgery.

Mr Stuchbury was struck as he waited to turn right into Hartley Street on his way home at 6.40pm last night.

Chorley New Road was cordoned off for two hours for accident investigators to study the scene.

The mountain bike and the Ford car were this morning being examined at by forensic officers and police appealed for the driver to give himself up.

Officers are also asking for anyone who may have seen the driver leave the car or witnessed the accident to contact them at Bolton Traffic Unit on 0161 856 5974.