A SCHOOLBOY left for dead by a hit and run driver regained consciousness today (Friday, May 9)... and gave his mum a huge hug.

Liam Abbott, of Clifford Road, Wallasey, woke up at 4am today and flung his arms round mum Lainey.

The 12-year-old has been on a life support machine at Alder Hey children's hospital since Monday when he was stuck by a car on Poulton Road, just a few yards from his home.

He suffered critical leg, chest and head injuries and has been under sedation since.

The driver of the car, who was believed to have a woman passenger with him, left the scene without stopping and police are still appealing for help in tracking him down.

But this morning Liam came round and grabbed hold of his mum.

Lainey, who has kept a bedside vigil with Liam's dad Kevin Hayes, said: "He came round at about 4am and put both arms around me, he didn't want me to leave but there was no way I was going anywhere anyway.

"I was crying my eyes out. It was just so nice to have him hug me.

"For four days he has been asleep, I'm so relieved he's awake."

Liam has been drifting in and out of consciousness since he first came round but has managed to take a sip of water and is now breathing unaided.

He is still in severe pain and is very distressed but doctors hope he will be well enough to leave the intensive care unit in the next two days.

Lainey added: "It is going to be a long hard slog, we don't know if there is going to be any long term damage, but I don't think Liam will be back at school this year.

"He is very distressed, it's all very confusing for him.

"He's said a few words but he can't speak very clearly because he's had tubes down his throat for the last few days. He keeps saying 'trapped'. He think's he's trapped because he can't move his legs but we have explained to him that it's in plaster.

"It breaks my heart to see him in so much pain, but I'm just so glad he has come round."

Liam was struck by a red Ford car, possibly a Mondeo or Sierra, being driven by a male on Monday at 5.30pm. Police believe there was a female passenger in the car, which sped off towards Gorsey Lane.

Officers were carrying out tests on a burnt out car matching the description of the hit and run vehicle but have not made any arrests so far.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0151-777 5730 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.