GIVE yourself up. That is the plea from the father of Prestwich youngster John Roberts who was mowed down and left for dead by the driver of a speeding taxi.

Eighteen-year-old John suffered serious injuries and has only just come off the critical list at North Manchester General Hospital since the accident in the early hours of Monday (Aug 26).

Police have now launched a hunt for the driver and the car.

John's father, Fred, said: "The driver must give himself up to police.

"However, a person who can plough into someone with their car and then drive off is not likely do so. They have no feelings or compunction."

John was walking with friends along Bury New Road in Broughton at 3.50am on Monday when he was hit by a dark coloured car.

The apprentice printer, of Hillcrest Road, was thrown into the air and suffered a fractured skull, broken pelvis and leg injuries. His parents, Fred and Enid, were warned by doctors that the 24 hours after the accident would be critical for the former Parrenthorn High School pupil's chances of survival.

"Thankfully, he is over the worst," said Fred. "We have visited every day and he is in a lot of pain but he is improving. It is not so long ago that a friend of John's was killed in a hit and run accident. It has brought back terrible memories for everyone.

"John and his friends had been drinking after visiting the Mardi Gras in the city. The place was packed and they were finding it difficult to get a taxi.

"From what his friends have told me, John was trying to flag down taxis when this one came towards him at speed. He was tossed into the air. His friends are still in shock."

Police investigating the hit and run driver say the car was damaged in the collision and a windscreen wiper from the vehicle was found at the accident scene.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for information on the car, which may possibly have been a taxi as it was described as having a white roof sign by one witness. The vehicle has sustained damage to its front end, including a broken headlamp and a windscreen wiper was left at the scene."

Anyone with information on the vehicle or its driver is asked to call

Salford Traffic Unit on 0161 856 5073 or 5078.