A girl of 12 was recovering in hospital this morning after she was hit by a car which was then driven off.

Police are hunting for the hit-and-run driver who sped off after the accident outside Littlehampton rail station yesterday at 12.40pm.

The girl, from Kent, was knocked down by a white Ford Escort car travelling east.

The driver carried on towards Littlehampton town centre.

Paramedics were called and the youngster was taken to Worthing Hospital.

Debbie Huseyinoglu, from Sergeant Pepper's Snack Bar opposite the station, said: "I heard a terrible screech and everyone rushed over to her to see if she was all right. I jumped in my car to give chase after the car because I managed to get a partial number plate but couldn't find it."

Another onlooker, Ian Bradley, said: "I'm quite surprised this has happened as most people slow down because they know people will be milling around the station."

The girl suffered a cut to head, which needed stitches. She was kept in overnight for observation.

Two hours after the accident a white Ford Escort was found abandoned and set on fire in Joyce Close, Littlehampton.

PC Jason Vickers said: "The little girl is recovering in hospital. It was a shocking experience for her but fortunately she was not that seriously injured."

Anyone with information should call PC Vickers at Chichester police on 0845 6070999.