A MUM is begging a driver to come forward after her 20-year-old son was seriously injured in a village hit-and-run.

Tom McConnell was walking home along Main Road, West Lulworth, in the early hours of Saturday when he was hit by a car.

The young roof thatcher was taken to hospital with serious injuries including a broken jaw, a deep gash to his face and severe bruising.

His mum Angela has slammed the driver who failed to stop following the incident, which took place at 2.15am.

She said: “This person, whoever it is, could have killed my son and I am urging them to do the decent thing and come forward.

“He sustained two breaks to his jaw and had to have a metal plate put in.

“He's got a deep gash to his face which has been stitched and he has grazing and bruising.”

Many West Lulworth residents said their thoughts were with Tom, who is popular locally through his work as a thatcher.

Mrs McConnell, who runs Amy Cottage Bed and Breakfast in West Lulworth with her partner Gary Sawtell, added: “He’d been having a drink with his mates but I don’t understand why the driver didn’t stop.

“It is so malicious but luckily we have found some CCTV footage which might help us track this driver down.

“Tom says he remembers the car pulling over and then driving off.”

Tom’s friend Jamie Matthews said: “A group of us had been drinking in the pub when Tom decided to go home.

“I found out the next day from his mum that he’d been hit by a car.

“The driver should do the right thing and come forward.”

Tom’s step-dad Mr Sawtell said: “Everyone knows Tom around here and we all just want the driver to come forward.

“They should have just stopped to help Tom, they must have something to hide.”

Tom remains in hospital recovering from his operation.

Anyone with information about the identity of the driver at the time of the incident should contact the Weymouth Traffic Department on 101, quoting incident number 321 of August 3.