The 17-year-old, who is from Deniliquin, was riding south along Hardinge Street about midnight on Sunday when a vehicle came out from Harfluer Street and hit him.

The rider had been on his way to work as a baker when he was thrown from his motorcycle, while the car drove away.

The injured rider picked up his bike and moved it to a nearby car park before calling his mother.

He was taken to Deniliquin Hospital with a serious injury to his left leg, hip and possible spinal injuries.

Police said he was released from hospital yesterday, but will be returning for surgery.

Detective Inspector Peter Hayes condemned the behaviour and said he hoped the driver would come forward.

“Whether they felt they were going to be in trouble — I don’t know,” Detective-Inspector Hayes said.

“I don’t understand what people’s mindset is when they choose to leave someone lying in the gutter after knocking them off their bike.”

Police are appealing for information on the vehicle and its driver, who allegedly failed to stop at the intersection before hitting the rider.

The motorcycle was seized for examination.