A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was knocked to the kerb on his first day of college after a white van hit him and sped off.

James Whiles was on his way to start his first year at sixth form at Budmouth Technology College on Tuesday when he was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a van driver on Chickerell Road.

He was knocked off his moped at the junction near the Marquis of Granby. At 8.30am.

He said: “I was just coming along the road and the van suddenly turned and knocked into me.

“The next thing I knew I was lying on the pavement and my leg was in pain.

“I looked up and I didn’t know what had happened.”

James said that the next thing he remembered was lying on the pavement and people staring at him. The small white van sped off in the opposite direction while James got up and made his way back to his moped.

He is now appealing for witnesses to come forward or the van driver to hand himself in to the police.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed the incident at 8.35am on Tuesday.

He added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible in correction with this fail to stop traffic incident.”

James said his leg was injured in the incident and that he was shaken up but managed to get back on the moped and go to school.

Later that afternoon when his parents found out about the crash James reported the incident to the police.

James, of Chickerell Road, had only had his licence for three months before this. Dad David called for the offender to hand himself in and for other motorists to be aware of moped and motorcyclists at all times.

If you have any information contact Dorset Police on 01305 222222.