The family of a 10-year-old South Croydon schoolboy, left lying in the road with multiple injuries by a hit and run driver, have expressed anger that their appeals for a pedestrian crossing were ignored by Croydon Council.
The victim's distraught father is now offering a £400 reward to anyone who can help identify the driver in an accident he believes should never have been allowed to happen.
Thomas Graham, of Campion Close, was hit by a Croydon-bound car while crossing a busy stretch of Coombe Road, just yards outside his home at 7.30pm on Valentines Day.
The driver, who hit Thomas as the youngster walked home from school, failed to stop and other motorists alerted the emergency services.
Thomas was taken to Mayday Hospital where he was treated for a fractured skull, bruised ribs and two black eyes.
His father, Thomas Graham told the Guardian: "What sort of person could do something like that; drive off and leave a child in the road?"
And the family's anguish has been worsened by the fact that they and another family had written to Croydon council this year requesting a zebra or pelican crossing on Coombe Road.
Mr Graham said: "We have always been worried about the roads around Campion Close, but the council said they could not put a crossing in because of congestion. Perhaps now they will take some action."
The council told the Guardian they receive a number of crossing requests and make careful assessments in each case taking into account accident figures, and resident population.
They pointed out that police had only reported one pedestrian accident in the last five years on this stretch of Coombe road, where visibility is "reasonably good" and there are two traffic islands.
But a spokesperson said: "We will of course re-assess the situation in Coombe Road."
Mr Graham added: "I've got six kids that cross Coombe Road every day.
"Surely their safety is more important than the delays some congestion might cause drivers?"
The vehicle which struck Thomas is described by police as a white or silver hatchback, possibly a Peugeot 406 or similar model.
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should call 020 8649 0186.
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