A DRIVER who swerved across a road and ploughed into a boy of 16 could have been playing a prank which went "drastically wrong", say police.

A red or burgundy VW Polo struck the pedestrian around 8.55pm on Wednesday as a group of four males were crossing North Road.

Police say the group was just nearing the pavement when the vehicle, travelling towards Ashley Road, swerved to the wrong side of the road towards the group. The boy was thrown on to the bonnet and carried 20 metres before falling off.

The boy, believed to be from the Poole area, was taken to Poole Hospital suffering from back and internal injuries.

Anyone with information should call PC Lawrence (01202 226038) or the confidential Crimestopp-ers line (0800 555 111).