A SCHOOLBOY had an amazing brush with death when he was catapulted into the air after being hit by a car on a pelican crossing.

Liam Brown, aged 14, was flung on to the bonnet of the car and smashed his head on the windscreen before somersaulting head over heels the full length of the vehicle.

The Thornleigh College schoolboy landed on his back in Bury Road, Bolton, as the driver of the car involved sped away from the scene.

Miraculously Liam then astounded passers-by and other motorists - as they ran to his aid - by suddenly jumping to his feet and running to the side of the road.

He was taken to Bolton Royal Infirmary but checks revealed nothing more serious than minor cuts and bruises.

Today as Liam recovered at home in Shireburn Avenue, Tonge Fold, police dubbed him the: "Incredible Rubber Boy."

Sgt Barry Fairclough, of the Bolton Police traffic unit, said: "How Liam survived at all, let alone with such minor injuries, I will never know.

"Obviously his age contributed to his escape. He didn't see the car so he was relaxed. If he had spotted the vehicle perhaps his muscles would have frozen and he would not have been so lucky."

A man was helping police with their inquiries this afternoon. He voluntarily walked into Bolton Central Police Station.

Police are still appearing for witnesses to the accident which happened in Bury Road, near the junction with Tonge Old Road at 3.10pm.

Liam, who was on the first day of his school half term holiday, was returning home after buying two pies from a local bakery.

Police said he was half way across the pelican crossing when a blue Ford Orion car overtook other cars stopped at the crossing. The car ploughed into Liam who was flung into the bonnet and crashed into the windscreen before being catapulted over the roof. He was taken to Bolton General Hospital by ambulance but had already been discharged when anxious police officers arrived at the hospital.

His father, Mr Keith Brown, 40, said Liam is still in a state of shock.

Mr Brown said: "We're just stunned about the thought of what could have happened. Apart from a bang on the head, a grazed elbow and a cut hand he is alright - although he is in a bit of pain.

"We're so grateful to everyone who helped yesterday."

Police traced the vehicle involved to an address in Little Lever later yesterday afternoon. Forensic experts are still examining the car.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Bolton Police traffic unit, tel.: 0161 872 5050.

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