POLICE were hunting a motorist today after a builder suffered serious injuries when he was dragged 100ft along a road in an accident early today.

Police said the driver of the four-wheel drive vehicle, believed to be a Ford Maverick, drove on leaving Richard Gourlay suffering from injuries to the lower half of his body.

Mr Gourlay, 30, of Harling Street, Rosegrove, Burnley, was pushing his nephew's Kawasaki off-road motorcycle across Sycamore Avenue, Burnley, near to its junction with Tedder Avenue just before 1am today when the accident happened. He was going to his girlfirend's house.

Insp Steve Baines said: "He was thrown down and dragged along the road together with the motor cycle."

Mr Gourlay lives with his brother Steve, Steve's partner Paula and children. Paula said: "Richard was wearing a crash helmet. I don't believe he would be here today if he hadn't been.

"He looked to make sure no-one was coming before starting to cross the road. The vehicle hit the bike first and then Richard who was behind the bike pushing it.

"He was left in the middle of the road and managed to crawl to the pavement. A young couple were passing and he told them to go and get Steve.

"I stayed home with the children while Steve went to the hospital with him."

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering from a broken pelvis, leg and ankle. He was in a comfortable condition today and was due to be operated on to pin the broken bones.

Mr Gourlay works with his brother in his building firm S G Roofing based at their house.

Police were today questioning a man abotu the incident. They appealed for anyone who saw the accident or who knows of a vehicle fitting the description to contact them on 01282 425001.

Picture: The junction of Sycamore Avenue and Tedder Avenue, Burnley, where Mr Gourlay was injured