Police have released a shocking video of the moment a hit-and-run driver knocked over a 10-year-old boy.
The motorist ploughed into Brendan O'Connor-Bowden. The boy bounced off the bonnet and was flung across the street. The driver then drove off without stopping to check on the child.
Mercifully, Brendan only suffered cuts and bruises to his wrists and ankle but police say he could have died and have launched the disturbing footage in a bid to trace the driver.
Story continues after video...
The incident involving a turquoise Honda Civic happened in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, shortly after 7.15pm on September 2.
Brendan told the Manchester Evening News: "Every time I close my eyes I keep seeing the car. I completely blacked out when it happened. I can't remember anything.
"All I know is I was playing out with my friends and the next thing I know I am on the floor crying with loads of people around me."
Brendan was with seven friends when the car swerved into him before leaving him for dead in the middle of the road.
His mum Katrina, 31, said if the driver had been going any faster, her son could be dead.
She said: "I just hope the police find who did this because we are the lucky ones really. The next person they hit might not be so lucky.
"It looks like the driver deliberately went for Brendan, but even if it was an accident, why didn't they stop to help him or check if he was OK?
"When I heard the knock at my door I knew something awful had happened and I just panicked. I don't let Brendan play out on the streets after 7pm any more because you just don't know what kind of people are out there."
PC Adrian Spurrel said: "The CCTV is crystal clear. The driver collided with a young boy then callously drove off, leaving him slumped in the road.
"Remarkably he only missed one day of school after suffering minor injuries, but clearly the injuries could have been far worse or even fatal.
"To leave a young boy shocked and injured in the road when you have no idea how seriously injured he may or may not be shows a worrying level of apathy and regard for his welfare, and I need the public's help to identify the driver.
"If you know the driver or have information about them or the car, please call us.
"Perhaps someone you know has a similar car, came home in a state of shock or has been acting differently since the accident. If so I want to hear from you.
"I would also invite the driver to come forward now and talk to us of their own volition."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8473.