A MAN left for dead by a hit-and-run driver in a Bolton street said today he was mown down intentionally.

As reported in Monday's BEN, Darren Hill, 27, was found unconscious at 2am on Sunday in Bridgeman Street, near to the Park pub.

He was suffering from head injuries and internal bruising to his back and legs.

Darren had spent Saturday night drinking in Uncle Tom's Cabin in Lever Street. The pub is run by his father, Alan.

Darren claims that just before 1am, a man he didn't know said there was somebody outside who wanted to see him.

"This bloke knew my name," said Darren. "So I just went outside to see who it was, but there was nobody there."

At this point Darren decided not to go back into the pub but to return to his flat, which he shares with his girlfriend and three children, in Deane Walk, Bolton.

Darren said: "I don't remember a car following me or anything, but as I was crossing the road this car came from nowhere and hit me at full speed - there was no attempt to brake."

Darren believes that he was left in the road for more than 30 minutes until a passer-by saw him and raised the alarm.

Ambulance paramedics treated him before taking him to Bolton Infirmary. He was later transferred to Bolton General.

Darren says that since the incident he has suffered from pains in the head, bad dreams, and has been passing blood in his urine.

"I have absolutely no idea why someone would want to do this to me," he said. To add to his ordeal has lost the job he was due to start yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "We are still continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident."

Anyone with details of the incident should contact Bolton police on 0161 872 5050. All calls will be treated with confidence.

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