A CYCLIST was left for dead after he was knocked off his bike by a car in a hit and run at Purton.

The victim, who has not been named by police was riding on the B4553 at Common Platt just after noon on Wednesday when a passing car hit him.

The driver failed to stop but other passers-by came to the rider's assistance and gave him first aid while they waited for an ambulance.

PC Nick McVey said: "The cyclist was knocked unconscious for three or four minutes and was taken to hospital with injuries to his face, shoulders, arms and hips.

"Luckily he has now been discharged and is recovering at home, but this could very easily have been much more serious. The driver would have realised he had hit someone and left him for dead, lying motionless at the side of the road.

"We now need to urgently trace the driver and we are hoping the public will be able to help us with this. We have evidence which was left at the scene, as well as accounts from a number of witnesses, so we hope someone will read this and make contact with the police."

A black near-side wing mirror with small grey rectangles was found at the scene. Witnesses also saw a black car following a heavily-modified Vauxhall Corsa with tinted windows and after market wheels accelerating off towards Cricklade.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.