AN eight-year-old Stanford-le-Hope schoolboy and promising local footballer is facing an operation this morning (Wednesday, 4 October) after being hit by a reckless and abusive teenager on an electric scooter in the town's Hardie Park.

The incident happened yesterday just after 5pm when Kienan Akdeniz, a year four pupil at Graham James Primary Academy was hit by the rider who then hurled abuse at the distressed boy'sfather before riding off.

His parents are now calling in anyone local who might know the boy, who is estimated to be about 14, to forward details to the police who are investigating the incident.

Kienan's mum, Siobhan, says: "The boy had blonde hair, aged around 14/15 approx. He is more than likely a local boy that attends one of the local secondary schools.

"They are so dangerous! He could have killed him! My son has a broken tibia and fibula and has to have a major operation.

Kienan with the player of the match trophy he won at the weekend.

"He will now miss out on school, he cannot play football with his team for months and has a long road to recovery. The boy in question not only ran my son over but proceeded to hurl abuse at my husband.

"We have reported this to the police and I will not rest until he is caught! I hope the community of Stanford can help me find who did this."

Kienan just started another football season with local club Corringham Athletic and was player-of-the-match in his most recent match.

Police have been asked to comment.