POLICE have confirmed they have launched an investigation after a borough youngster was hit by an e-scooter - breaking his leg!

Eight-year-old Kienan Akdeniz, a year four pupil at Graham James Primary Academy was hit by the rider who then hurled abuse at the distressed boy's father before riding off.

Kienan is recovering in hospital after having surgery this morning and the promising young footballer has received many messages of support.

A police statement says: "We are investigating an incident that occurred at the entrance to Hardie Park Community Development Centre, Hardie Road, Stanford-le-Hope, at around 5.15pm on Tuesday 3 October in which a young boy sustained a serious injury.

"The rider of an e-scooter was in collision with an eight-year-old boy who was taken to hospital after he sustained a broken leg.

"The rider was described as a teenage boy, aged 14-15, with short blond hair.

"We are treating this incident as GBH and our enquiries continue."

Inspector Terry Fisher, said: "We are working to establish the facts, but are asking for the public's help to identify the rider and ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident, to contact us.

"If I could ask anyone who was driving in the area at the time, to check their dash cam footage, they may have captured something that could help our investigation.

"I'd also urge the rider to make contact with us directly so we can progress the investigation.

"If you can help us identify the rider, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively, you can call us on 101. If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote crime reference 42/178075/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."