POLICE are hunting a hit and run driver after an 11-year-old girl suffered a broken leg in a serious crash.

Detectives are investigating the smash, which happened in Eastmayne, Basildon, near to the Sainsbury’s store.

Police say a red Nissan Qashqai struck the girl as she crossed the road at traffic lights last Monday, at 7.40am.

The car failed to stop at the scene while the girl sustained a broken leg and bruising. She has also suffered shock.

Police urgently want to find the driver.

Residents have reacted in disgust.

James Taylor, 54, of Pitsea, said: “You get loads coming off the A13 and just carrying on at the speed they were going on there. It’s really dangerous sometimes, they need to be taking more care.”

Malcolm Lewis wrote on the Echo’s Facebook page: “Who hits someone, especially a child, and drives away from the scene unless you’re drunk, on drugs or have no insurance or MOT?”

Alan Manson added: “These hit and runs are growing and seem to becoming a weekly occurrence, why is that?

“We need our MPs to legislate tougher sentencing for people who leave the scene of an accident.”

Lola Adeoye wrote: “As an adult I make mental note of the car’s reg every time I cross the road, and that’s at a red light situation.

“Some don’t even stop. Two days ago I was almost run over by a Ford people carrier.

“He just zipped through the red light.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage should call police on 101 quoting incident 165 of 20 January or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.