An eight-year-old boy is being treated in the Sick Children’s Hospital for serious leg and hip injuries after being hit by a motor bike on Ferry Road. The motor cyclist fled the scene and police are appealing to the public for information.

The hit and run happened at a pedestrian crossing on Ferry Road near Drylaw Police Station at 6.35pm last night.

The wee boy was struck by the motor bike while crossing on the green man at traffic signals by the police station. It’s understood the child was with his sister at the time of the accident.

In a statement issued last night Police Scotland confirmed: ““Police Scotland are appealing for information after an eight-year-old boy was struck by a motorbike which failed to stop at 18:35 on Saturday 19 August on Ferry Road.

“The boy was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children of Edinburgh with serious leg and hip injuries. Information at this time indicates that a number of motorcyclists were seen in the area driving in what can only be described as a dangerous manner.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger said: “This is a horrific collision which has left a young boy seriously injured.

“The boy was crossing the pedestrian crossing on the green man when he was struck by the motorcycle and knocked to the ground sustaining what are described as serious injuries. The motorcyclist drove on with no apparent thought for the horrific injuries sustained by the young boy in the collision.

“We are carrying out door to door and other enquiries into this collision, and also in relation to other reports in the immediate area of incidents of dangerous and reckless driving by motorcyclists around this time. We are appealing for anyone who has any information about who may have been responsible to contact us immediately and help us keep the community safe.”

Motorbikes remain a menace in North Edinburgh. In June last year 14 year old Brad Williamson died after a motor bike he was riding was involved in a crash on Silverknowes Road, but that tragedy has not deterred other young men from stealing motor cycles and riding them recklessly on streets, cycle paths and parks all over the area.

Local police have targeted motorcycle crime as a top priority – Operation Soteria, Edinburgh Division’s ongoing initiative to tackle the theft of motorcycles and associated disorder, was relaunched in March. The police helicopter was out again last night and police patrols have been stepped up.

Inspector John Elliot said: “Police Scotland has increased patrols in the Drylaw area in order to provide reassurance to the local community and to ensure there is no repeat of this anti-social behaviour. These patrols will be visible in the coming days.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3247 or contact Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.