A SCHOOLGIRL has been left with a suspected broken foot after being knocked down on a pelican crossing by a hit and run driver.

A SCHOOLGIRL has been left with a suspected broken foot after being knocked down on a pelican crossing by a hit and run driver.

Eleanor Cracknell had to spend her 12th birthday on crutches and in pain after the accident in Felixstowe.

She and a friend, aged 11, were crossing High Road West from Station Approach when a car suddenly came round the corner from the Co-op complex car park and hit her on the leg, knocking her off her feet.

The metallic blue-coloured vehicle didn't stop and now police are appealing for anyone who saw it to come forward.

Eleanor, who lives with her parents Alison and Mark in Springfield Avenue, Felixstowe, was taken to hospital with a badly swollen foot and was given crutches to help her walk.

“After the accident her friend helped her up and she hobbled home - she was really sobbing,” said Mrs Cracknell.

“She said the pelican was showing the green man flashing for pedestrians to cross and so thought she was perfectly safe to go over.

“This car then just came round the corner and hit her - whether or not they just didn't see her we don't know.

“Her foot looks really bad and has been hurting a lot - the doctor thinks it is just very badly bruised but there is a chance it might be broken and she has to go back to Felixstowe Community Hospital for another X-ray.

“She had to spend her birthday on crutches, which spoiled it a bit for her.”

Eleanor, a student at Deben High School, Felixstowe, was crossing High Road West near the fire station, opposite the Conservative Club, at about 4.50pm on Thursday March 19 when the accident happened.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for the driver of the vehicle, anyone who knows who they are, or anyone who saw the incident to come forward.”

The car headed off towards the Garrison Lane traffic lights and Walton after the incident.

Anyone who can help should contact Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.