A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is in critical condition in hospital after being hit by a HGV in South Lanarkshire.

Around 9.25pm on Saturday evening, the teen was struck on Townhead Street, Strathaven.

The driver did not stop after hitting the teen, with police saying it's "likely" he didn't realise the boy had been struck.

Emergency services attended and he was rushed by ambulance to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride where he is being treated for his injuries.

Hospital staff describe his condition as critical.

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The driver and the vehicle have been traced, however, police are keen to hear from witnesses.

Sergeant Stuart Bell of the Road Policing Unit said: “The vehicle involved did not stop after the incident and it is likely that the driver did not realise the vehicle struck the boy.

“The vehicle was white with no livery and is described as a three axle tractor unit with a three axle trailer, possibly a Mercedes. It had a roller shutter at the end of the trailer.

“Our investigation into this crash is continuing, and I would appeal to any witnesses to the crash to come forward. I would also like to hear from any drivers who were in the local area and have dash cam footage, in case they may have witnessed something vital to this enquiry.”

Anyone with information should contact the Road Policing Unit at Motherwell through 101 quoting reference number 4071 of December 1.