A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has been injured after being knocked down in a suspected hit-and-run incident in north Belfast.
The boy was struck at around 1.20am on Sunday morning in the Oldpark Square area - about a mile from where a young woman was knocked down and killed last month.
The teenager sustained injuries to his ankle, leg and hip and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Police said officers received reports that a grey Vauxhall Zafira car was being driven dangerously in the Oldpark Road and Ardoyne Avenue area.
The car was later burnt out on the Cliftonville Road at around 4.15am, in an incident police are treating as arson.
Police appealing for anyone who "saw this car being driven erratically, witnessed the hit-and-run incident or has mobile phone or dashcam footage of either" to contact them.
Sinn Féin councillor Ryan Murphy said those responsible had "no regard for anyone".
"This comes only weeks after a young mum Lisa Gow was fatally injured when she was hit by a stolen car," he said.
"There has been an increase in car crime over recent weeks in north Belfast. We are working with the police and other statutory agencies to tackle this scourge."
The SDLP's Paul McCusker called for immediate action.
"For months the SDLP has been warning that the dangerous and reckless driving we are seeing regularly in north Belfast will lead to serious injuries or worse. Unfortunately last night a hit and run incident has resulted in a 17year old male sustaining injuries.
"I want to wish the young man a speedy recovery but to also send a clear message to young people, their parents and all road users to be careful on the roads.
"While I know efforts have been made by the PSNI - what is clear is that they need stepped up."
