A TEENAGER from Tetbury has been left with life-changing injuries after a ‘hit and run’ crash.

Benjamin Sawtell, 17, was walking with two friends on the B4215, near to the 3 Shires Garden Centre in Newent, at about 8.15pm on Saturday, February 29, when he was hit by a car.

He suffered serious head and leg injuries and was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he remains.

The injuries were so severe, Benjamin had to be placed in an induced coma.

Since the collision, he has undergone a number of surgeries including on his neck and leg.

It is expected that the injuries Benjamin has suffered will affect him for the rest of his life.

A man has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 52-year-old from Newent came forward after seeing media reports about the collision. He was arrested on Wednesday, February 4, on suspicion of being the driver of a vehicle which failed to stop after a collision and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

No one else was injured.

A vehicle has been recovered for examination and the man has been released under investigation.

Officers investigating the incident are still appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash or has information which might help their enquiries.

PC Kurt Ravenhill said: “We would like to thank members of the public who have already come forward with information and appeal to anyone who has not already spoken to us to get in touch.

“We are in regular contact with the injured boy’s family, keeping them updated on the progress of the investigation, and wish him well for a full recovery.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 440 of February 29.

To help with his recovery, and to help cover his mum’s travel costs to the hospital, a Gofundme page has been created.

More than £1,500 has already been raised. To donate, go to bit.ly/2W1fcBu.